Plath Nautical Navistar Sextant International Polar Expedition

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About the Item

Presented is one of the rarest Plath Navistar Classic sextants that we have offered. It was used in the 1986, Steger International Polar Expedition to the North Pole by the team lead by Will Steger and Paul Schurke its co-leader, navigator. The idea was to test themselves and their equipment dogsleding to the Pole with only what they were able to carry with them. No unsupported attempt had ever been made. Helped originally by 49 Huskies and Canadian Eskimo dogs, of the eight that started, two men, after enduring untold hardships, dropped out due to injuries. This left five men and one woman, and 20 remaining sled dogs, to make Arctic history. On May 1, 1986 after fifty six days, and mushing 1000 punishing miles, twice the straight line distance, from the Ellesmere Island, the Canadian departure point, the remaining team reached their goal. Not only was the achievement heroic, but it was met with major recognition from newspapers, magazines and television. Suggested reading, Vol 170, No 3, September, 1986 of "National Geographic" magazine whose feature article, "North to the Pole" details the exploit with numerous pictures. And, in the January, 1987 issue of "Outside Magazine" the expedition was further honored by receiving the prestigious "Outsiders of the Year" award. Print media included the New York Times, Boston Globe, Philadelphia Inquirer, Los Angles Times, USA Today,Sports Illustrated and others with TV coverage provided by Good Morning America and CBS Morning News. Many of them ran multi-segments covering this out standing achievement. Pictured are, L to R: Ann Bancroft, Brent Brody, Will Steger, Paul Schurke, Geoffrey Carroll and Richard Weber of the eight starters. Credit Dupont.

Creator:
C. Plath (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 9 in (22.86 cm)Width: 9 in (22.86 cm)Depth: 6 in (15.24 cm)
Place of Origin:
Germany
Period:
Late 20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1986
Condition:
PROVENANCE and CONDITION SUMMARY: The remarkable thing is that this sextant was returned to the States when team member Bob Mantell was evacuated with frozen feet near the end of the two month expedition. It was sent to Plath for reconditioning and adjustment. The result is it was put back in "Like New" condition and on April 14, 1993 was returned to Mantell in Palm Beach Gardens, FL and later went into his storage in Ely, MN where it remained for the past nineteen years. Plath did not touch the case which had been modified inside to suit the needs of Schurke, the navigator. Covered in numerous places by silver duct tape, its appearance did not measure up to that of the sextant so it was reconditioned in our shop. The separation at the joints of the case, due to the rigors of the Arctic remain, and the top is slightly out of register with the bottom. The green absorbent interior liner of the top section was cut by Shurke in a number of places, and remains just like it was modified. The exterior of the case which shows some warping on its vertical edges remains strong. The duct tape was removed and the finish reconditioned. The scuffing and scratches from the Expedition remain. The inside of the case now looks as pictured. The arrow on the right is pointing at the label signed by Frank Janicek stating that the sextant was last collimated by Plath on December 20, 1992.
Seller Location:
Palm City, FL
Reference Number:
1stDibs: U120514925783

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