Rare British WW II Air Ministry Miniature Nautical Sextant

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About the Item

Here is a gem of a high quality British Air Ministry sextant from WW II. It is the second one we've discovered in this remarkably fine condition. A micro-mini tiny sextant that has a radius of arc of only 3 1/2 inches, but has large size mirrors and shades, full size micrometer drum, of regular size sextant. Every thing is designed to make this instrument perform like a full size sextant.

There are no maker's marks, but it carries the serial number 35017 on its arc. Both Heath and Hughes made these instruments for the Air Ministry, and since this one is slightly different from the Heath we recently sold, we will attribute it to Hughes. Both were one of Britain's Class ?A? sextant makers. Like the Heath, the index arm imprint reads:
Royal Crown
AM
REF No 6B/177

AIR MINISTRY DESIGN: The Royal Crown and AM marks indicate this sextant was made for the military which accounts for its exceptional quality. The AM stands for Air Ministry. Marine sextants of this type were used on seaplanes for taking anchor bearings and also other calculations such as amplitudes of the sun and distance off angles when on the water.

Attributed to:
Henry Hughes and Son Ltd. (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 5.75 in (14.61 cm)Width: 5 in (12.7 cm)
Period:
1940-1949
Date of Manufacture:
WW II
Condition:
The mirrors are in "near new" condition. The index mirror being like new. The horizon mirror has some small Grey specks on the surface and a vertical line 1/64 inch wide at its edge, neither of which will affect sights. Index and side error are nil. The beautiful varnished handle shows no wear. The index arm is complete and in good working order. The frame and all the machinery are in good working order and nothing is missing except a small screwdriver and the upper latch plate. It comes with its original pick to adjust the horizon mirror. All the screws and fittings show their original varnish which has mellowed with age. CASE: The sextant comes housed in a high quality, varnished, Mahogany square case with no faults. The case has a brass handle, hinges and two rotary latches and a lock, but no key. The upper fitting of the lock is missing. It's varnish has mellowed with age and has a pleasing patina. The round holder in the case holds a small flask of oil. The lower holders are for a pick which is present and a small screwdriver which is missing. Copyright 2012 Land and Sea Collection. All Rights Reserved.
Seller Location:
Palm City, FL
Reference Number:
1stDibs: U120215925715

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