Older quadrants

[cannonmn]

I didn't get a chance to post these when the other thread on quadrants was running, so here they are.  The two larger I am sure are gunner's quadrants, the smaller one, I'm not sure since it doesn't have a projection to go down the bore.  The small one is more like the modern quadrants that sit atop a flat place that's parallel to the bore.  I think the small one, marked "Jas Green Baltimore" is the oldest of the lot.  The wooden one is a standard-issue Civil War era item.  It has a round bullet and string in the compartment in the end, which are hung from the small brass screw on the arc, to indicate the antle.

Any opinions on whether the small one is really a gunner's quadrant, or is it for surveying or something?

The largest brass one is definitely a US gunner's quadrant but is so big I doubt it would be used in the field.  It may be for coast artillery.

[cannonmn]

I found out the smallest instrument shown has to date between 1833 and 1851, since that's when James Green worked in Baltimore.

This is an extract from an online database of instrument makers.

GREEN, JAMES 2 England; USA., 1808-96, MIM NIM OIM PHIM Surveyor's Compass = Infantry and Cavalry School, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas (1891); Barometer = USNM; Aneroid Barometer = USNM.  emigrated from London in 1833; succeeded in Baltimore by F.W. and R. King in 1851; dealt in European instruments.  London (1817-23); 72 Baltimore Street (1835-36); 15 Liberty Street (1840-41); 53 South Street (1842); all in Baltimore Md.; New York, N.Y. (1849-96); 175 Grand Street, New York, N.Y. (1868).  Smart 1; USNM; Middleton 1 and 4; D.J. Warner 6 and 10; RSW. 

I still don't know for sure if it is gunner's quadrant or something else.

[cannonmn]

The instrument maker's directory lists "E and GW Blunt," maker of the large brass quadrant, working in New York from 1826-1866.

[Josco]

This has been in our family for years. Would anyone know if it's a Gunners Quadrant?

[KABAR2]

Josco,

I believe you have a World War One vintage French Quadrant it may be for their 75mm field gun.

I have parts form one of the same type but am missing the level and part of the arm.

Allen <>< 

[cannonmn]

Yes, French gunner's quadrant M1888.  It looks like the US version used up thru WWII was copied from this one.

[Josco]

Gentlemen,

Thanks for the info. Would you know what material they were made from? It's silver in color
and very heavy for it's size.

   Joe Scope

[cannonmn]

Material, I don't know why the silver color unless it is or was plated with tin, since it looks like brass to me.  The US ones are usually brass.  The four small "feet" that rest on the designated flat spot on the gun are usually made of steel, since they have to stay flat despite abuse in the field, and brass is too soft for that.

[KABAR2]

It appears to be a type of nickel silver similar to what was used in one of their bayonet handles