A VICTORIAN PATINATED BRASS SEXTANT Adie and Son, Edinburgh, mid 19th century The pierced diamond 'lattice' pattern frame with pivoted arm mounted with mirror opposing hinged magnification lens over aperture for reading the fine silver inset brass Vernier scale signed ADIE & SON, EDINBURGH, No. 210 and initialled J.H., with two sets of hinged filters, brass telescopic sighting tube and wooden grip to rear of frame, the fitted keystone-shaped mahogany box with two additional sighting tubes, a telescope eyepiece slider and a eyepiece filter. The box 35.5cm (14ins) wide, 26.5cm (10.5ins) deep, 12.5cm (5ins) high. Alexander Adie is recorded in Banfield, Edwin BAROMETER MAKERS AND RETAILERS 1660-1900 as born 1775 and dying in 1858. Adie was the nephew of John Miller, one of the leading Scottish makers of Scientific Instruments in the 18th century and was apprenticed to him in 1789. In 1804 they formed the partnership of Miller and Adie which continued until the death of John Miller in 1815. Adie continued the business alone specialising in meteorological instruments obtaining a patent in 1818 for his air barometer or sympiesometer. In recognition of this invention he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1819. He was appointed optician to William IV and later Queen Victoria after forming a partnership with his son, John, in 1835 to form Adie & Son. Father and Son worked together from Princess Street, Edinburgh until 1857 when the business was continued under Richard Adie who relocated the firm to Hanover Street in 1877. Condition Report: Optics are complete with the exception of one small filter and intact however there is some internal condensation/deposits within the tube(s) which affects the clarity of the viewed image. The filters and mirrors appear complete and free from damage. The Vernier is operational with minimal wear to the scale and the magnifier is working. The frame has verdigris spotting coming through the japanning as well as age related wear but is undamaged. The case is generally in good original condition but with some age related shrinkage, bumps and scuffs; there is no key for the box. Condition Report Disclaimer