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ANTIQUE SEXTANT. No.63
ANTIQUE SEXTANT. No.63
Antique Sextant by J.H. Steward, London. Previously owned by a Royal Navy officer - R.F. Morice. R.N.
A late 19th century navigators Sextant with the classic 'three ring' frame design. Beautifully hand engraved on the arc J.H. Steward, 406 & 457 Strand, London.
The silver scale is engraved from -5 degrees to 165 degrees and can measure angles up to 142 degrees, the scale is divided into 10 minute increments. The index arm has swinging scale magnifier 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 box. It is complete with - four telescopes, 2 x telescope sun filters, mirror adjusting tool and screwdriver.
This antique celestial navigation instrument is in good condition considering it is over 125 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.
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