Antique Sextant by J. Coombes, Devonport. Previously owned by a Royal Navy officer R.F. Fegen.

ANTIQUE SEXTANT. No.2

A late 19th / early 20th century navigators Sextant with the classic 'Three ring' frame design. Beautifully hand engraved on the arc J. Coombes, Optitian & Instrument Maker, Devonport.

The index arm and box are also engraved with the previous owner and Royal Naval Officers name, R.F. Fegen. R.N.

The silver scale is engraved from -5 degrees to 160 degrees and can measure angles up to 134 degrees, the scale is divided into 10 minute increments. The index arm has swinging scale magnifier with glass light diffuser and the silver Vernier scale reads from 0 to 10 seconds of arc.

Sextant Radius: 6.5 inch / 16.5 cm.

Height of Sextant: 8.75 inches / 22 cm

It is contained within its original fitted hardwood storage box. It is complete with - two telescopes, 1 x spare telescope eyepiece and 2 x telescope sun filters.

The last certificate of examination contained within the box is dated September 1911

J. Coombes were established in 1806 and operated at Fore Street, Devonport, supplying precision maritime and optical equipment to the Royal Navy and naval cadets (such as those entering HMS Britannia or the Britannia Royal Naval College)

This antique celestial navigation instrument is in good condition considering it is over 120 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 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.

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.