Has your curiosity ever wandered to what an antique navigation instrument would be and how much would it be worth? If yes, perfect because we are going to take a deep dive into the sailing days of the past. These antiques range from sextants, compasses, telescopes to other surveying instruments and nautical gifts.
History of Navigational Instruments
Nautical navigators have used these instruments as tools of their trade since 3000 to 1000 BC. One of the first sailors was Ferdinand Magellan, which I’m sure most everyone has heard of. He is credited as being the first man to sail around the world. They have certain purposes that they full fill like present position, speed determination, direction and arrival port or point of destination. They are divided into several categories: charts and drafting instruments, direct measuring, location, bearing, compasses, and timekeeping.
Charts & Drafting Instruments
- Charts gave navigational details specific to the marine environment which mapped the areas or point of locations.
- Dividers were used for measuring lengths. Lengths that were approximate lengths of non-linear paths on a chart. The original instruments were made of brass and steel.
- Nautical almanacs were used to determine sailor’s boats position by using the celestial bodies in the sky after a sight has been taken.
- Parallel rulers transfer a line to a parallel position. They were used for orientation of a line to a magnetic or geographic orientation on a compass rose.
Direct Measuring
- Chip log and sand glass measured mariner’s ship’s speed through the water.
- Sounding line measured the depth of the water and picked up samples from the bottom of the ocean or sea.
Location Instruments
These locale finding instruments are divided into two measuring categories. One was used to measure elevation or altitude of a celestial object. The other one was used to measure the angular distance between objects.
These are the ones used to measure elevation or altitude of a celestial object:
- Backstaffs were used to measure the altitude of the sun without having the navigator observe the sun directly.
- Cross-staffs were basically a stick or a pole with length markings spread uniformly to make qualitative judgements of the height and angle of an object. There were one of the first instruments that sailors quit using; they have long since been out of use.
- Kamal was used mostly by Arabian navigators to determine latitude.
- Mariner’s astrolabes were developed in the 15th century, but were eventually replaced by the backstaff, octant and then the extant.
- Quadrants were used to plumb bob. There are two types of quadrants. One type was used for solar observations. The other type was used for back observation quadrant.
These are the ones used to measure the angular distance between objects:
- The octants measured an angle without strongly being affected by movement. It was invented in 1731 and was one of the first widely accepted instruments.
- The sextants measured the angular distance between two visible objects. This instrument caused all the other ones just like it to become obsolete.
Bearing Instruments
- Pelorus determines bearings relative to the ship’s heading of landmarks and other ships.
Compasses
- Bearing compasses determined magnetic bearings of landmarks, other ships, or celestial bodies.
- Magnetic compasses determined the magnetic heading of the ship.
Timekeeping Instruments
- Marine chronometers determined time at the prime meridian. Its precision was necessary when reducing sights in celestial navigation.
- Nocturnal instruments determined apparent local time when viewing the Polaris and its surround stars.
- Ring dials or astronomical rings measured the height of a celestial body above the horizon. This instrument could also be used to find the altitude of the sun or determine local time.
For History Buffs
Nautical Charts
Nautical charts represent the sea area that’s adjacent to a coastal region. This topographic map may show depths of water, heights of land, natural features of the seabed, details of the coastline, navigational hazards, locations, information on tides and currents, and details of Earth’s magnetic field. They may also show man-made structures such as harbors, buildings, and bridges. These charts were essential tools for marine navigation. Commercial ships were and still are required to have them on-board.
You may purchase an authentic antique 1885 Nautical Chart North American Polar Regions Baffin Bay for $1,295 USD (£ 1049.4071).
Dividers
Dividers were also called calipers (callipers, UK) measured the distance between two opposite sides of an object. The tips of the dividers were adjusted to fit across the points to be measured and then removed. Then, with a ruler you measured the distance. The Greek Giglio wreck founded the earliest divider. That ship dates back to the 6th century BC. Even back then, these dividers were rare finds for the Greeks and Romans. The Chinese Xin dynasty, 9 AD, used the dividers for minute measuring. There are eight types of calipers: inside, outside, divider, oddleg, Vernier, dial, digital, and micrometer.
The divider caliper is also used in the medical field to transfer distance on ECG (EKG) electrocardiograms. Here the heart rate can be determined.
Antique divider calipers may be purchased relatively cheap. You may be able to pick up a set for $10 USD (£ 8.1).
Nautical Almanac
The nautical almanac was developed for the purpose of navigating by use of celestial bodies. It’s a publication of these positions while you are at sea. In Great Britain, it was originally titled the American Ephemeris and Nautical Almanac.
You may purchase an 1847 Nautical Almanac and Astronomical Ephemeris that is rare for $225 USD (£ 182.3294). Want something a little pricier to impress, there’s an exceedingly RARE 1808 Jacob Johnson’s VIRGINIA Almanack for approximately $450 USD (£ 364.6588).
Parallel Rulers
Fabrizio Mordente invented the nautical parallel ruler in 1584. It wasn’t used as a common device until the 18th century. The design was improved in the 19th century by Captain William Andrew Field. Its protractor style scale’s purpose was to help make reading bearings easier.
You may purchase an antique parallel ruler made with bone for $142.40 USD (£ 115.2927). You may also purchase one for a reasonable $34 USD (£ 27.5278) which was made with whaling ebony and brass.
Chip Log
A chip log estimated the speed of a vessel through water. It was also referred to by several other names such as common log, ship log or just log. Sailors used to toss a log that was attached to a knotted rope off the stem of a ship. They would then count the number of knots that passed through their hands to determine the ship’s speed. Bartolomeu Crescencio attributed to its invention at the end of the 15th century. This is also claimed to be the Dutchman’s log which was first referenced in 1623.
Considering that these were dipped into the ocean, there are none appearing to be available for purchase.
Sounding line
Sounding lines may be referred to as depth sounding and it does exactly that, measures depth. The word “sounding” was derived from the Old English word “sund” meaning swimming, water or sea. This sounding by lead method dated back to the Greek and Roman navigators which archaeologists have uncovered. There was also references to this sounding in the Bible’s chapter of Acts. Bayeux Tapestry also documented the use of this method by William the Conqueror when he landed in England in 1066.
Backstaff
The backstaff was developed to measure the altitude of a celestial body, mainly the Sun or Moon. Mariners would stand with their backs to the Sun and observe the shadow cast by the upper vane on a horizon vane. John Davis, an English navigator, was the man who invented this and featured it in his book Seaman’s Secrets in 1594.
Wow, these must be exceedingly rare, popular and a well-kept hidden secret as there were not any to be located that’s for sale.
Cross-staff
This instrument was a vertical rod that one must stick in the ground. It measured angles by supporting a compass. This device had several other names such as ballastella, fore-staff or balestilha. It was better known as Jacob’s staff; its origin is not certain. It was developed as a single pole device in the 14th century. It was first described by Levi ben Gerson, a French-Jewish mathematician, in his book, Book of the Wars of the Lord.
These items are apparently very well guarded just the same as the backstaff as there are none for sale.
Kamal
The kamal was developed as one of the first latitude sailing devices. Its origin dates back to the 9th century by the Arabs. The kamal consisted of a rectangular wooden card that had a string attached in the middle with equally spaced knots. The sailors would hold the end of the string to their chin and stretch the string. Then the card is moved so that it is even with the horizon.
The kamal is another rare jewel that you may not be able to purchase.
Astrolabe
This nautical instrument was one of the first analog calculators in astronomy. Not only was this used by sailors to navigate it was also used by astronomers to identify stars or planets. Its main use was to determine local latitude at any given local time. Astrolabe in English means “star-taker”. It was traced back through medieval times to Apollonius of Perga between 220 and 150 BC.
These vintage Hand-made Astrolabes may be purchased for about $30 USD (£ 24.2892).
Quadrant
The quadrant instrument measured angles of up to 90 degrees (couldn’t find conversion on degree). Quadrant means one fourth. It was also used to calculate longitude, latitude and time of day. Its origin was proposed by Ptolemy in the medieval times by the medieval Muslim astronomers around the 150 AD. The Middle Ages brought the quadrant to Europe.
Eventually, over time with some downsizing adjustments, this tool became valuable for navigation purposes. In 1461, Diogo Gomes, used it for the first time at sea, thus began its role in the sailing navigation world.
You may purchase antique prints of a quadrant for about $90 USD (£ 72.9).
Octant
This primarily used navigation measuring instrument was also called a reflecting quadrant. The infamous Isaac Newton re-invented this in 1699. Edmond Halley, earlier, didn’t publish his detail description but because it had already been made, Newton couldn’t take credit.
This instrument was constructed main with wood, however later versions incorporated ivory and brass components. It has retained its common features to that of the backstaves and transversals on the scale.
Purchasing this antique instrument will run you about $800 USD (£ 647.7).
Sextant
The sextant was first invented by a mathematician named John Hadley and an inventor Thomas Godfrey. These two paired up to give mariners a more accurate means to determine angles between the horizon and the sun, moon, or stars in order to calculate latitude.
Antique lovers may find original sextants in a variety of conditions. Some are still stored in their original wooden boxes while others have no box. Depending on the brand, these are offered at some hefty prices starting as high as $750 USD (£ 607.2) down to $20 USD (£ 16.2).
Pelorus
The Pelorus resembled today’s compass. It was also referred to as a dumb compass if it did not have a directive element. This tool was used to help a vessel at sea to keep its bearings. The Polynesians were the first to use this tool, which was described and claimed by Harold Gatty.
This sailing instrument may be purchased for about $400 USD (£ 323.8).
Compasses
A compass, whether it is bearing or magnetic, shows the directions of north, south, east and west. The first one was used in ancient times by Han dynasty in China during the 11th century. A non-magnetic compass is called a gyrocompass. The gyrocompass is like today’s gyroscope which finds true north by using a fast-spinning wheel which friction forces in order to exploit the rotation of the Earth. These compasses are one of the most depended upon instruments used by sailors.
An antique bearing compass may be purchased for about $495 USD (£ 400.7).
Marine chronometer
The marine chronometer was a portable timepiece that is precise and accurate. Developed in the 18th century, this device was a major technical achievement. Its purpose was to accurately measure time of a known fixed location which is extremely important to mariners.
This little jewel may be purchased for from $1,100 to $2,475 USD (£ 890.6 to £ 2003.7).
Nocturnal
The nocturnal instrument determined the local time based on relative positions of two or more stars in the night sky. Raymond Lull, in the 12th century, gave the earliest description of this instrument.
Ring Dial
The ring dial was hung vertically and oriented sideways towards the sun. A beam of light passes through a small hole and falls on hour-curves inscribed on the inside. It was also referred to as an Aquitaine, a perforated ring dial, but was most commonly referred to as a sundial.
The most common style was called the gnomon. It had a flat plate which may have rod, wire or even an elaborately decorated metal casing. It must be mounted parallel to the axis of the Earth’s rotation.
You can purchase the antique ring dials from $1250 to $1,925 USD (£ 1012 to £ 1558.5).
Binnacle
A binnacle stood on the deck of a ship approximately waist high. It was mounted at an easy and convenient spot just in front of the helmsman. Many early binnacles were constructed in early to mid-18th century. The first known patent was by John Gray of Liverpool. It was later improved by Lord Kelvin in the 1880’s. Lord Kelvin added two compensating spheres colloquially known as “Kelvin’s balls”.
For the avid, die-hard sailor who loves his vintage, a binnacle may be purchased for $7,250 USD (£ 5869.8900) which sports Kelvin’s balls. You may purchase one without the balls for $975 USD (£ 789.3990).
Nautical Antiques
Antique nautical instruments are those that the earliest sailors used, and some are even rare. These antiques were normally made with the finest material producing quality; hence the reason that they are still available. Although, you probably wouldn’t want to trust their usage.
You may purchase the majority of these products from ebay. However, there are a variety of other different merchants; one only needs to search the internet to find what they are looking for. These would also make great gifts for those sailors who are also passionate about history.
The use of these traditional instruments was used well into the 20th century. Electronics developed rapidly after WWII and were replaced by the newer traditional tools. Nowadays, these instruments rely on electricity or some sort of battery. With experts developing more intelligent and digital instruments, these have all been replaced and now are obsolete. On the other hand, they would make a great conversational piece if displayed in the dinning room.