An apparently unique, original nineteenth century wooden shop sign in the form of a giant mariners' ebony octant. It is 43 inches tall by 37 inches wide and is marked "STEVENS [Lo" and half of an "N". I take this to be London. There were a number of Stevens working in London from the end of the eighteenth century to the middle of the nineteenth century. It is impossible to decide which one is alluded to here.
It is extremely rare and is the only old one I have seen and is much rarer than the mid-shipman, of which I have had two in the last forty odd years, and seen many others. The sign was clearly made by someone who was familiar with a real octant, as it is correctly proportioned.
It is covered in very weathered coarse black paint, and what would have been the brass components are finished in weathered gilt lacquer. Naturally, in something this old, which was designed to be seen outdoors, it has been painted on a number of occasions. It was designed to fit flush to an exterior wall, and not 'hung'. It has seen some wear, as it may have been in the open air for 100 years!
The graduations are not incised but painted on, and I am sure they have been assisted during their history. The method of joining the parts together is not obvious and I have not seen any screws or nails; perhaps tenon joints were used.
I am aware of its whereabouts for the last thirty odd years when it was hung by a modern chain fixed to the rear.
It is a very imposing object and an astonishing survival. It is English and made about 1830.
The ticket price is £4500, and the negotiated price can include delivery anywhere in the England.