Vintage American Miniature Pocket Nautical Sextant

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Vintage American Miniature Pocket Nautical Sextant

About the Item

Free Shipping to 48 contiguous States SEXTANT DIMENSIONS4" W x 4 " L x 1 1/2” D" LEATHER CASE 5 1/2" W x 6 1/2" L x 2 1/2” D Shipping Weight 2 lb PRESENTED is another gem of a micro-mini tiny sextant that has a radius of arc of only 2 3/8 inches, but has fairly large size mirrors and shades for its diminutive size, and a micrometer drum, as found on a regular size sextant. The only thing of less performance is the telescope, it is a sighting tube. We have never see one before, but you will find a picture of a heavily used example on page 49 of Peter Ifland's iconic, "Taking the Stars". This one is in remarkably fine condition. The brass frame is finished in mid-night black enamel which is like new. The scale has an inlay that is graduated from - 0 0 to 120 degrees. The index arm has a quick release trigger and vernier which reads to 1 arc minute. There are two index shades and one horizon shade. The index shades are notched for a finger nail to move them in and out of position. The horizon shade rotates into position. The fittings maintain their original gun metal also without blemish. It comes housed in a felt lined leather zipper case which also is in near new condition with only a few oil stains on the interior. Every thing is designed to make this instrument perform like a full size sextant. The maker's mark, is imprinted on the index arm and reads: Ilon Industries, Inc. Port Washington, NY on two lines USER'S REPORT: Robert XXXX an experienced celestial navigator has this to say about the Ilon sextant which is posted on a website devoted to the science of the topic. "The best "box" sextant I come across was manufactured by Ilon Industries out of New York. My late friend John Luck owned one, and for years, I tried, without success to get him to sell it to me. I have not since seen another example of this item, but you can find a photo of one in Ifland's "Taking the Stars", on page 49, Fig 55. I have been scanning e-bay every once in a while in search of an Ilon, but always come up with zilch. Could be that very few were manufactured in the first place. I would dearly love to get my hands on one of these sextants. Robert XXXX" INSTRUMENT CONDITION: The very well made sextant is in excellent condition considering its age and use. The handle attaches though a hole in the frame and the paint has been scratched off by its rotation. This is very minor. There are some tiny spots on both of the mirrors. They do not interfere with taking sights. The tube shown in the photos is a sighting tube with no optics. Most small sextants have low powered telescopes so this may be satisfactory. The index arm is complete and in good working order. The frame and all the machinery are in good working order. It comes with its original adjustment wrench for the mirrors. All the screws and fittings show their original gun metal bluing and the slots are sharp. CASE: The real leather case is generally in excellent condition with just a few small areas of loss. The interior velvet lining has some stains. The stitching is tight and the zipper works. There is one empty pocket in the case.

Creator:
Ilon Industries (Designer)
Dimensions:
Height: 4 in (10.16 cm)Width: 4 in (10.16 cm)Depth: 1.5 in (3.81 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Brass
Place of Origin:
United States
Period:
1960-1969
Date of Manufacture:
Unknown. Likely Ca 1950 - 60
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Palm City, FL
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU9257735311