Very few areas are not represented in this August 25-27 auction that includes works from America, Europe and Asia. As well as fine art by local artists, the sale features 19th century paintings, works of art from the middle ages and the ancient world, folk art and plenty of 20th century design.
Among the English pieces on offer is a mid-19th century marine sextant which comes with an interesting American provenance.
The 8in (20.5cm) brass instrument is in its original mahogany case and complete except for the engraved scale on the register.
It has an engraved inscription to the horizontal which is repeated on a brass plate on the case. This reads: Presented by the Lords of the Admiralty of Great Britain and Ireland, to Mr. Alexander Baxter, Master of the United States Ship ‘Cleone’, for the humanity and intrepidity displayed by him in proceeding to the rescue of the Crew of the British Brig Elizabeth of Harrington from the sinking wreck of the vessel on the 29th Dec. 1851.
The transfer of the sextant from the British Government to Hugh Maxwell, Collector of Customs New York, was recorded in a letter published in the New York Times on June 25, 1852.
It has an estimate of $3000-4000.
