A few years ago I had an elderly client who was in reduced circumstances. He lived on his yacht, an old wood harbor tanker (fuel hoy) converted to a schooner, unique, capacious, and run down.He had no money and I didn't have much of an expectation I'd earn anything on the case. But one day he brought to my office this very beautiful inclinometer, about 19 inches high, apparently in its original case and with the original glass. He died soon after, and I like to think he knew I'd appreciate and take care of this lovely old thing.
So far as I can tell without removing the instrument from its case (which I don't want to do for fear of marring the brass), it has no maker's mark. My client could tell me only that he thought it might have come from a steamship.
I am finally getting around to making inquiry to nautical museums and dealers, and I'll let you know what I find out.
My father-in-law asked me to sell an almost identical instrument on eBay this week. It's not as nice, without a case, but has a smaller anchor shape near the top with a second (redundant?) inclinometer. No manufacturer's marking on the back either. Interesting stuff. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete