Summary
Sextant by J. D. Potter, London, in wooden case.
This is probably the sextant that was in use at Williamstown Observatory from February 1854. The Victorian Government had ordered a number of instruments for the Observatory in 1853, including a sextant by Potter, a 30 inch transit instrument by Potter, and a regulator clock by Frodsham (no 880). This sextant replaced the two 'indifferent sextants' used by astronomer Robert Ellery when he established Williamstown Observatiry in 1853 (see ST 22156 for the sextant by Hoppe). Also used at Melbourne Observatory.
Physical Description
Brass sextant in fitted wooden box, two interchangeable eye pieces, two filters. Graduated to 150 degrees. Black scale inset. Arm has brass vernier and microscope.
More Information
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Collection Names
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Transfer from Melbourne Observatory, 1945
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Maker
John D. Potter, 31 Poultry, London, Middlesex, England, Great Britain, 1853
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User
Melbourne Observatory, South Yarra, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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User (Probable)
Williamstown Observatory, Williamstown, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1854-1863
See R.L.J. Ellery, 'Account of Operations Connected with the Advancement of Commercial Astronomy in Australia', Monthly Notes & Records of the Royal Astronomical Society, 1854/55, No.15, pp.153-156 (p.154). -
Inscriptions
Scale inscribed 'J. D. Potter, Poultry, London'. Label in lid inscribed 'J. D. Potter, Hydrometer and Mathematical Instrument Maker'.
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
22 cm (Length), 26 cm (Width), 9 cm (Height)
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Keywords
Navigation Instruments, Sextants, Surveying Apparatus & Instruments
