The 'little midshipman': trade symbol of a Wapping instrument manufacturer.

Trade symbol of an instrument manufacturer. © National Maritime Museum, London

Repro ID: A5596

Description: This figure is a trade sign of an optical instrument manufacturer. Although entitled the 'little midshipman', it actually represents a lieutenant in the full dress uniform of 1787-1812 holding an octant. An octant was used by sailors to find latitude. It greatly improved the accuracy of navigational observations at sea by using mirrors to bring a reflected image of the star or sun alongside the horizon, when viewed through the sight.

Creator: Unknown

Date: 1787-1812

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London