- Author: John Omer & George Bradford
- Date: c.1825
- Medium: Sextant
- Condition: Excellent
- Product ID: 003950
Rosewood and Brass Octant, with ivory nameplate & scale, original mahogany case.
An early 19th-century navigational instrument used at sea to measure the altitude of the sun or stars, helping sailors determine position.
John Omer is noted as having succeeded his uncle George Bradford on Minories Street in 1851, and both were described as “Real Makers of Mathematical Instruments,” which places the firm in the London tradition of quality instrument-making. In practical terms, that makes this octant both a useful seafaring tool and a well-made period object with strong historical appeal.