Sextant with Accessories in wooden box

Manufacturer C no. A.C

Period20th century

Classification(s)

Navigation and Timekeeping / Magnetic and Astronomical

Object TypeSextant

Registration NumberMMM 000081.5

DescriptionSextant with mahogany box and accessories. The mahogany box has two hooks for closure on either side, and a handle on the front. It is engraved with the letters C no. A.C. The box contains three separate lenses of varying dimensions. The sextant is mounted separately for exhibition purposes. It is engraved with the name "Philip Stratfield R.N". The sextant has a magnifier on a swiveling arm, a telescope bracket with perpendicular adjustment.

The word 'sextant' was developed from the actual arc of the frame which occupies a sixth of a circle, and it was a development from the octant. The need to have an instrument measuring up to 120 degrees arose from the need of lunar observations for the determination of longitude. The sextant is useful to read horizontal angles and its all metal construction makes it more accurate than a wooden octant (Baddeley 1993: 50).
InscriptionsExterior, on lid: C no.A.C; Engraved on sextant: Philip Streatfield R.N.Material

Wood, metal, Glass

DimensionsWooden case: 13 x Wooden case: 23.7; Sextant: 24.3 x Wooden case: 25; Sextant: 19; Accessories: 18, 8.3, 9 cmBibliography

Baddeley, J. (1993). 'Nautical Antiques & Collectibles', London: Sotheby's Publications.

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