HISTORY OF THE DOUBLE FRAME PILLAR SEXTANT: The double or pillar
frame sextant was invented by Edward Thoughton, one of England’s premier instrument makers, in 1788. It is comprised of two
relatively light weight sheets of brass making up the frame that are held together by a series of pillars, nineteen
in total. This formed a rigid frame on which mounted the mirrors, shades, a telescope, index arm, and magnifier.
The Troughton double frame sextant added to the inventors reputation, but it was a highly complex instrument to make, and
gave way to more simplified designs in the mid 19 th Century. The Spencer Browning & Co. quintant is an exact
copy of the Throughton instrument, and may in fact have been made for Spencer Browning by Throughton.

For a complete history of Edward Thoughton and his brother, John see https://landandseacollection.com/id207.html

INSTRUMENT CONDITION: The mirrors are in remarkably
good condition and show little age. The beautifully turned Rosewood handle has a minor age crack on the back.
The index arm clamp, and swing arm magnifier are complete and in good working order. The double frame has a heavy
dark green to black patina of age with some variations in color, but is in excellent condition.

The instrument is complete with:

 

• Two original sighting tubes
• One low powered scope
• One high powered inverting collimation telescope
• Mirror adjustment pick
• One ocular lens cap with filter
• Missing are two lens caps, and a small tool

 

The polished arc and platinum scale is calibrated -5 to +155 degrees
with a vernier scale reading from the right from 0 to 10 arc seconds in 2 second intervals. The sextant has
four rectangular shades for the index mirror and three round shades fro the horizon mirror, all in good order. The telescope’s
distance from the frame may be adjusted by turning a knob at the back of the rising piece. The instrument and it’s accessories
are housed in a beautiful fitted keystone style hard wood carrying case which has brass hinges and latches and a
lock, but no key.

Maker’s Name

New Bedford Whaler Mary ann

Index Mirror

Horizon Mirror

SCROLL DOWN TO THE GALLERY PICTURES BELOW LABELS AND WRITING: In the case is a small label which reads: No 89 CARL RAHSSKOPFF Instrument Maker, 412 Commercial, San Francisco.  Repairing promptly executed And another label facing towards the top in type and printed: Saturday, May 31, 1856 Whaler Betsy  Ann New Bedford, MASS 1842 The is an illegible name written in pencil in the bottom of the case under where the instrument rests. What i readable is 1874, Norwich, Conn, THE CASE: The  keystone” Mahogany case is in excellent solid condition, with no age cracks or shrinking. There is a lock, but no key, and two original latches. This style case went out of use by the late 19th Century. It has a wonderful old patina from golden to brown. All in all, a highly desirable and exceptionable example from one of the best known English instrument makers. DIMENSIONS:   Length of frame           10 1/8″ Width of frame at arc   11 1/4″ Index mirror                  50 x 33 mm Horizon mirror               24 x 15 mm Weight                            3 Lbs  OUR UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within three days of receipt in its original condition and packaging. Returns must be insured for their full value. All that is required is a prior email authorization by us for the return. Unfortunately, no refund can be made for the cost of shipping, packaging and handling. International buyers welcome, but inquire first.  We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean. Buy this very special historic navigation instrument  Now!   What a great find for that special person who can appreciate only the finest and most unusual. ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier’s check, money order, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. No checks from overseas accounts, no credit cards; or PayPal accepted on this item. Copyright 2009 by Land And Sea Collection, All Rights Reserved Select a thumbnail from the left to zoom. Image #1 Image #2 Image #3 Image #4 Image #5 Image #6 Image hosting and Zoom Gallery by VillagePhotos.com About Land and Sea Collection™ The Source for the Finest Nautical Antiques, Affordable Marine Art, Vintage Dive Helmets, New Sextants, Antique Sextants, and beautifully executed Antique & Vintage Boat, Ship and Aircraft Models. Contact Information By Appointment Only Palm City, FL 34990 USA +1-772-287-7022 8am-6pm EST Join Our Mailing List Email (required) * First Name * Last Name * Select list(s) to subscribe to General Interest 2010-2015 Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from Land and Sea Collection. (You can unsubscribe anytime) Constant Contact Use. Please leave this field blank. By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Land and Sea Collection. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact © Copyright 2003 – 2024 by Land And Sea Collection™, All Rights Reserved. | Website by: Mary Lee Weir Join Our Mailing List Email (required) * First Name * Last Name * Select list(s) to subscribe to General Interest 2010-2015 Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from Land and Sea Collection. (You can unsubscribe anytime) Constant Contact Use. Please leave this field blank. By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Land and Sea Collection. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact