Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
How do I use a sextant?
1 Answer

To use a sextant, find the horizon inside of the mirror and move the arm until you can also see the object you are attempting to locate. Then, calculate the angle of elevation based on your current elevation above sea level. You'll find a selection of vintage and antique sextants on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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Shop for Brass Sextant on 1stDibs
Superb Large Brass Sextant Ceiling Light from the Captains Cabin
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Superb large brass sextant ceiling light from the captains cabin
A very good quality lamp it has
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
WW1 brass pocket military sextant made by Ryland & Sons, London circa 1915
Located in Central England, GB
This rare precision instrument is a fine solid brass pocket sextant made for the military by the
Category
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass
1917 Waymouth Cooke Naval Rangefinder Sextant
Located in San Mateo, CA
sextant range finder. They were patented in 1914. The Mark II like this one came out in 1917. The
Category
Vintage 1910s English Other Nautical Objects
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Nautical Vernier Sextant, G.W.Butters, London
Located in Norwich, GB
Vernier Nautical Sextant, G.W. Butters, London.
A fine curved frame vernier sextant, the
Category
Antique Early 1900s English Nautical Objects
Materials
Brass
Troughton and Simms Navigators Sextant in Box
Located in Norwell, MA
Solid brass ship's sextant with lattice frame, colored glass filters, many accessory scopes
Category
Antique Early 1900s North American Nautical Objects
Materials
Brass
A poket sextant signed Stanley, London 1890.
Located in Milan, IT
A travel nautical instrument, sextant, to determine the ship’s position. The cover became the base
Category
Antique Late 19th Century English Scientific Instruments
Materials
Brass