There are two sighting vanes which are aimed at a terrestrial object with the bearing
read off the compass card. These bearings are compared to the vessel's compass heading which then gives the magnetic bearing
to the object. Bearings of two objects, taken sequentially, will fix the vessel's position. Similar observations of a
rising or setting sun when on the prime vertical allow for determining compass error. A third arm, with a polished
black glass reflector, allow similar sights to be taken of celestial bodies.
CONDITION: Except for some minor light orange stains
on the compass rose, and the outer ring being slightly out-of-round, the item is in like new condition and may be considered
of museum quality.
DIMENSIONS:
Diameter of outer ring
10 inches
Diameter of compass rose 7 inches
Minimum height on stand 16
inches
Weight
9 pounds
PROVENANCE: Thomas Stewart and John D. Negus were
highly respected nautical instrument makers and were arguably the leading makers in the United States during the second half
of the 19th century. Trained in England, the brothers began their manufactory in New York City in 1848. They moved to 100
Wall Street, New York City in 1864 and formed their navigational instrument making firm, "T.S. & J.D. Negus," in 1869.
According to research of period U.S. Navy records, T.S. & J.D. Negus sold chronometers and other instruments to the U.S.
Navy including compasses. In 1937 the Negus brothers bought the Ritchie Compass Company and sixteen years later
sold it to the Sherman Brothers in 1953. At that time Ritchie moved to Pembroke, Mass. The firm continued under the
trade name "Negus" as a nautical instrument manufacturer and retailer into the 20th century.
International buyers welcome, but inquire first.
We have satisfied customers in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, Chile, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Holland,
Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain,
Sweden, Thailand, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.
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 packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. A prior email authorization by us for the return
is required. Unfortunately, shipping charges are not included in this offer and are non-refundable unless due to our
error.