A Sextant from the golden age of navigation crafted by the renowned Glasgow instrument maker, Alexander Dobbie. This beautiful example is a testament to 19th-century precision engineering. Featuring a sturdy brass frame with delicate graduation on the silvered arc, it remains housed in its original, hand-finished mahogany case, which has protected it for over a century.
Key Features:
Maker Provenance: Signed "A. Dobbie, Glasgow" on the silvered arc, a mark synonymous with high-quality Scottish nautical instruments.
Complete Authenticity: Includes two original brass telescopes, fully adjustable mirrors, and a complete set of coloured filters for solar observation, all present and original with a crack across one filter - please see photo's. A key has been included, it fits but does not operate the lock.
Collector’s Condition: The brass exhibits a deep, authentic patina that only time can create. The mahogany case is structurally sound and carries the character-rich marks of a long life at sea, there is a small loss to one end of the case which does not affect the case integrity, the end of one closure hook is missing.
Whether you are a seasoned collector of maritime history or looking for a centrepiece with a story, this sextant represents a quintessential piece of Victorian seafaring heritage. It is a functional work of art that captures the romance of celestial navigation.
Alexander Dobbie was a prominent Scottish nautical and scientific instrument maker based in Glasgow. He established his business in 1841 at 20 Clyde Place, Glasgow. The firm became well-known for producing high-quality chronometers, nautical and optical instruments, charts, and books. They eventually served as chronometer makers to the Admiralty and were authorised Admiralty chart agents. Following the death of the founder in 1887, the firm’s name changed to Alexander Dobbie and Son. In 1896, the business was incorporated as Alexander Dobbie and Son Limited. The company expanded by acquiring several other firms, including M. Walker and Son, T. S. McInnes and Co. Ltd., and D. McGregor and Co. Ltd. In 1902, the company name changed to Dobbie McInnes Ltd. This successor firm continued to be a significant manufacturer of engineering and nautical instruments well into the 20th century.
The engraved "A. Dobbie Glasgow" mark confirms a date of manufacture after the founding of the business in 1841 and before 1887 when the business traded as A.Dobbie & Son.
The case measures 27.5 x 28.5/10.5 x 12.5cm (10.83" x 11.22/4.13" x 4.92").
