Maritime, Instrument, Radius Quadrant, Astronomy, Scientific, Italian

Astronomical  Radius Quadrant Italy: 20th Century Iron and brass, wood base 31.5 x 10.5 x 10.5 inches $1,700 Available for prop rental or purchase; please inquire. Fancy, decorative iron and brass radius quadrant mounted on a square base of varnished wood with a brass medallion. A quadrant is a navigational or an astronomical instrument featuring a graduated arc measuring angles up to 90°. This one has engraved numbers in increments of ten from 0 to 90 and marking every five degrees. A fixed iron strut at the 45 degree mark is engraved with a design of flowers and leaves. At the top of the arc is a figurine of a brass unicorn; at the bottom of the arc is a tiny brass cherub holding a fish. A rotating brass pointer is attached to the opposite bottom corner with a brass key that allows it to pivot and point to the numbers on the arc. At the top of the pointer is a decorative brass finial with a pinhole opening and facing it at the bottom, a similarly pierced brass tube, presumably for sighting or alignment as part of its use as a measurement device. The bottom of the quadrant is attached to a metal sphere which sits inside a floral setting so it can be rotated on the stand. Tightening a brass key holds it in place. The quadrant is stamped “Made in Italy,” and was likely produced for export or for sale to foreign visitors. Product description continues below.