Embedded Files
ANTIQUE SEXTANT. No.27
ANTIQUE SEXTANT. No.27
Antique micrometer Sextant by Kelvin Hughes.
A mid-20th century navigators micrometer Sextant with the classic three ring design frame. Engraved on the arc Kelvin Hughes. 'mate sextant'
The Sextant was invented by Admiral John Campbell in 1757 after he discovered that the Octant was unable to measure angles large enough for Lunar distances ( Distance between Moon, Sun or Stars ) so he increased the 90 degree angle of the Octant to 120 degrees which formed the Sextant. He then engaged the nautical instrument maker John Bird to construct the first Sextant in 1759.
The Sextant gets its name from the Latin word for 'a sixth' because it is a sixth of a circle (60 degrees) and can measures angles of up to 120 degrees.
The scale is engraved from -5 degrees to 125 degrees and can measure angles up to 122 degrees, the scale is divided into 10 minute increments. The index arm has micrometer adjustment and swinging light for night time illumination.
Sextant Radius: 6 inch / 15cm.
Height of Sextant frame: 9.25 inches / 23.5cm
Width of Sextant frame: 8.75 inches / 22cm
Box measures: 10.25x11 inches / 26x28 cm
It is contained within its original fitted hardwood & ply storage box. It is complete with all its accessories - wideangle telescope, telescope sun filter and mirror adjusting tool.
This antique celestial navigation instrument is in great condition considering it is well over 70 years old. It is beautifully engineered and made using word class engineering skills, British navigational instrument makers were reputed to have made the best and most accurate instruments in the world.
The Henry Hughes & Son company was founded in 1828 and it was incorporated in 1903 as Henry Hughes & Son Ltd. The company specialised in navigational instruments and made instruments for the Royal Navy. In 1915 they developed the first compass for use in aeroplanes, in 1923 they produced the first echo sounder. In 1937 they introduced the ‘HUSUN’ trade mark and in 1941 they entered into a collaboration with Kelvin, Bottomley and Baird the success of this partnership resulted in the name being changed to Kelvin & Hughes in 1947.
Clipper Maritime Antiques specialises in antique navigation instruments. We offer a wide selection of top quality antique Sextant’s, Quintant’s and Octant’s, prices range from £300 to over £1000.
Price on request: Please Email us your enquiry or if you would like any help or advice about choosing an antique celestial navigation instrument.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse