Ebony and brass octant signed in the inlaid ivory name plate “E & GW Blunt" New York circa 1855. The instrument is complete with the inlaid ivory engraved rounded scales at the bottom of the instrument. It has one of its original two thread mounted telescope. The inside lid of the mahogany dove tailed box retains the retailer label of Eugene F. Medinger of New Front Street New York.
The box was hand polychrome decorated by the owner of the instrument. The top of two painted images depicts an American spread winged eagle in gold paint above a circle of red painted roses. Inside the circle is a portrait resembling George Washington. Flankging the circle are a pair of painted American Flags on polls with spade shaped finials. Below is a banner with the name of Captain “C.C. BLANCHARD” painted in gold. Above and below the banner are fancy gold painted fancy designs. Hand painted and decorated navigational boxes with Americana scenes are very rare. (I-0973)
Provenance: From the private collection of Chuck Deluca a long - time dealer and auctioneer of maritime artifacts in southern Maine.
Condition: The instrument is complete and has its original finish. The box is complete and retains its original hook closures and fancy scutcheon plate and lock plate.
Note: E. and G.W Blunt were the brothers Edward and George William sons of Edmond Blunt that began the family business in 1770. They became one of the most well known a prosperous of the New York instrument makers and retailers in New York and worked the second half of the 19th century and ultimately sold out to John Bliss another prominent instrument seller in NY.
Dimensions of Box: Height 5 1/2 , Length 13 ½, Width 12, Inches
