Brass Telescopic Alidade 15"

Originally the alidade began as measuring ruler with two basic sights attached at either end to create straight line visibility. With European powers expanding across the globe from the early 15^th century through the 17^th century, the alidade along with the compass and nautical telescope, helped map the way. Used in conjunction with the compass and marine telescope, the alidade aided in the sighting of ships, icebergs, whirlpools, and other dangers in the sea, and finding land. This basic sighting tool, replicated in these antique telescopes for sale, was extremely useful in determining a straight course for a ship, star positions, and locations with regards to maps, becoming an important tool aboard naval and pirate vessels alike. In the 1800s the telescopic alidade was created, greatly improving its effectiveness, especially in creating coastal maps of the new world. With a semi circle marking degrees of variation, the alidade aided in creating accurate maps by allowing sailors to triangulate positions with angles measured between two objects. Combined with the directional use of the compass, the alidade was used to produce some of the first geographically correct maps of both European and American coastlines. Each of these antique telescopes for sale embraces the true tradition of sailing with a solid brass design that was common throughout the Age of Sail. Combining the basic ruler sights, a common telescope, and the compass, these antique telescopes for sale are complex tools capable of excellent navigation and mapping.