A sextant is a navigation tool used to measure the angle between two objects, typically the horizon and a celestial object such as the sun, moon, or stars. It consists of an optical system with a small mirror mounted on a graduated arc, which allows the user to align the image of the celestial object with the horizon and measure the angle between them. By measuring the angle between the horizon and a celestial object, navigators can determine their latitude (their position north or south of the equator) and, by comparing measurements taken at different times, can calculate their longitude (their position east or west of a reference meridian, usually Greenwich, England). The sextant was an essential tool for celestial navigation.

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A Freiberger yacht sextant, c.1980, in original timber fitted…

A Freiberger yacht sextant, c.1980, in original timber fitted box with two keys, instruction booklet, 24.5 x 26 x 15 cm

An Elliott Brothers sextant, 19th century brass sextant in…

An Elliott Brothers sextant, 19th century brass sextant in fitted timber case,, 30 x 28 x 12 cm

A H. Hughes & Son's Ltd. Husun sextant, fitted timber box, ex…

A H. Hughes & Son's Ltd. Husun sextant, fitted timber box, ex Royal Australian Navy garden Island Dockyard 'Certificate of Serviceability' attached underside of lid, 27.5 x 27 x 15 cm

A miniature sextant by Abraham, Liverpool, early 19th century,…

Miniature Sextant by Abraham, Liverpool, 19th Century in Fitted Box

A miniature sextant by Abraham, Liverpool, early 19th century, in original mahogany fitted box, 10.5 cm wide, the box 7.5 cm high, 15 cm wide, 12.5 cm deep

A bronze sextant by Troughton, London, in a fitted mahogany…

Troughton London Bronze Sextant in Fitted Mahogany Case (1860)

A bronze sextant by Troughton, London, in a fitted mahogany case, circa 1860, the arc inscribed 'Troughton, London', numbered 944, the case 12 cm high, 35 cm wide, 28 cm deep

A brass portable drum sextant by Cary, London, mid 19th century,…

Cary Brass Portable Drum Sextant, London, Mid-19th Century

A brass portable drum sextant by Cary, London, mid 19th century, in original mahogany fitted case, the sextant 8 cm diameter, the case 4.5 cm high, 11.5 cm wide, 9.5 cm deep

Trommel sextant in original box with papers, circa 1978, the…

Vintage Trommel Sextant in Original Box, Circa 1978 - 33cm

Trommel sextant in original box with papers, circa 1978, the box 33 cm wide

Good 1920's wood cased Heath sextant wood cased brass sextant,…

1920s Heath Wood Cased Sextant with Accessories and Certificates

Good 1920's wood cased Heath sextant wood cased brass sextant, with The National Physical Laboratory, Teddington cerificate dated 1928, and inspection certificate describing Heath & Co, sextant # Y153, dated 1948, and including accessories such as set of…

Sextant in case by Heath & Co. Of London, early 20th century,…

Early 20th Century Sextant in London Case

Sextant in case by Heath & Co. Of London, early 20th century, note: with certificate of examination inside lid, the case 26 cm wide

J. Hicks of London Artificial Horizon, for use in marine…

London's Artificial Horizon for Marine Navigation

J. Hicks of London Artificial Horizon, for use in marine navigation, allowing a sextant to be used when no horizon was available.

A collection of five Scientific instruments, a boxed aneroid…

Scientific Instruments Collection in Original Boxes

A collection of five Scientific instruments, a boxed aneroid barometer, an Alidade level, box sextant, Esdaile compass and a pair of draughtman's dividers. All in the original boxes or hard leather case. (5)

A 19th century sextant by Parnell of London, inlaid ivory…

Parnell Sextant with Ivory Inlay and Oak Case

A 19th century sextant by Parnell of London, inlaid ivory makers plaque to crossbar and ivory inset graduating arc, with a rough oak case

A 19th century sextant by John Crichton of London, engraved…

Antique Sextant by John Crichton with Mahogany Case

A 19th century sextant by John Crichton of London, engraved makers name to the graduating arc and with mahogany case

A cased brass sextant, 19th century, a precision made…

19th Century Brass Sextant in Fitted Wood Box

A cased brass sextant, 19th century, a precision made instrument with finely calibrated vernier arc, in a cloth lined fitted wood box, apparently unmarked

A 7' radius brass sextant by C. Plath, Germany, marked on arc…

C. Plath 7' Radius Brass Sextant with Wooden Box

A 7' radius brass sextant by C. Plath, Germany, marked on arc and numbered 5792; with silvered scale divided -0º to 130º; vernier scale divided 0º-20º with magnifier; 6' telescope; four shades and three horizon shades. In wooden box.

Good early 20th century H. Hughes & Son Ltd, London sextant,…

Early 20th Century Sextant with Case and 4 Lenses

Good early 20th century H. Hughes & Son Ltd, London sextant, with four lens variations, in case, length 26 cm

A drum or pocket sextant, by W. Watson & Sons, London,…

Watson & Sons Pocket Sextant in Leather Case

A drum or pocket sextant, by W. Watson & Sons, London, lacquered brass case with paper scale inside the lid, in leather case (case needs some repair).

Mahogany cased sextant by L J Harri Amsterdam with tulip shape…

LJ Harri Amsterdam Mahogany Sextant with Engraved Name

Mahogany cased sextant by L J Harri Amsterdam with tulip shape blackened frame, bronzed arc with inset silvered scale and engraved makers name

Naval gentleman's jacket, with applied ribbons and decoration…

Naval Jacket with Ribbons and Decorations

Naval gentleman's jacket, with applied ribbons and decoration (this jacket originally belonged to the owner of the previous lot - sextant)

An antique sextant marked Norie London & B. Biggs Cardiff,…

Antique Sextant by Norie & Biggs

An antique sextant marked Norie London & B. Biggs Cardiff, length 27 cm, condition, some wear consistent with age apparent; some pieces detached; some wear to box; missing lock, etc, untested

Antique sextant by W Ludolph of Bremerhaven in fitted mahogany…

Antique Sextant with Accessories in Mahogany Case

Antique sextant by W Ludolph of Bremerhaven in fitted mahogany carrying case with various accesories

A vintage brass pocket drum sextant, circa 1943, including a…

1943 Vintage Brass Pocket Drum Sextant with Octant Case

A vintage brass pocket drum sextant, circa 1943, including a brass octant case, the sextant cover reading 'Tp Wmc No.57 D^D', the largest 7 cm diameter

A bronze sextant by Tho Hemsley & Son, London, circa 1880, with…

Antique Bronze Sextant with Case and Label, 1880

A bronze sextant by Tho Hemsley & Son, London, circa 1880, with fitted case and paper label to interior, the case 32 cm high, 14 cm wide, 28 cm deep

A boxed brass sextant by Dalton Harllepool, 19th century, the…

19th Century Dalton Harllepool Brass Sextant in Box

A boxed brass sextant by Dalton Harllepool, 19th century, the case 13 cm high, 27 cm wide, 30 cm deep

A brass vernier sextant by Joughin of London, in a glass topped…

Joughin's Brass Vernier Sextant in Fitted Box

A brass vernier sextant by Joughin of London, in a glass topped fitted mahogany box, inscribed to slide ' Joughin 17 upper East Smithfield, London', 17 cm radius

A vernier sextant by Bottomley, London, late 20th century, in…

Bottomley London Vernier Sextant in Mahogany Box

A vernier sextant by Bottomley, London, late 20th century, in fitted mahogany box with repairer's label to interior, the arc inscribed 'Bottomley London', 21.5 cm radius

An antique sextant in mahogany box, mid 19th century, the box…

Mid 19th Century Mahogany Sextant in Antique Box

An antique sextant in mahogany box, mid 19th century, the box 22 cm wide

Boxed sextant a micro meter sextant circa 1960s. By Freiberger…

1960s German Micro Meter Sextant by Freiberger Prazisionsmechanik

Boxed sextant a micro meter sextant circa 1960s. By Freiberger Prazisionsmechanik, Germany.

8 inch radius brass pillar framed sextant, c.1840, marked on…

Antique Brass Sextant with Mahogany Case

8 inch radius brass pillar framed sextant, c.1840, marked on the arc 'Troughton & Simms, London', rosewood handle, polished brass and inlaid silver scale from -5º to 150º, silver vernier divided 0-10 with swivel magnifier, milled screw adjuster and lock…

Antique wood cased brass sextant brass framed, inscribed for 'T.…

Antique Sextant with Fitted Wooden Case, 1890s

Antique wood cased brass sextant brass framed, inscribed for 'T.L. Ainsley, Cardiff and Barry Dock,' in original fitted wooden carry case, circa 1890s, wood case 25 cm x 25 cm.

A cased German drum sextant and an Esdaile 'Sirius' Azimuth…

German Drum Sextant & Esdaile Sirius Azimuth Reflector Set

A cased German drum sextant and an Esdaile 'Sirius' Azimuth reflector

A cased sextant by Tamaya & Co. Ltd of Tokyo, circa 1960, the…

Tamaya & Co. Sextant, Tokyo 1960

A cased sextant by Tamaya & Co. Ltd of Tokyo, circa 1960, the stamped brass plate reading 'Trade Mark Tamaya & Co. Ltd, No. 12703 Ginza Tokyo 1960 12', the sextant 24 cm long

Sextant in case stamped 'A.M.' early to mid 20th century, 17 cm…

A.M. Stamped Sextant from Early-Mid 20th Century

Sextant in case stamped 'A.M.' early to mid 20th century, 17 cm high

An antique sextant in original mahogany case by Bryant & Biggs…

19th Century Bryant & Biggs Sextant in Mahogany Case

An antique sextant in original mahogany case by Bryant & Biggs of Cardiff, 19th century, 23 cm high

Cased 'Hezzanith' sextant, c1925. 24 x 25 cm

1925 Hezzanith Sextant in Case

Cased 'Hezzanith' sextant, c1925. 24 x 25 cm

Reynolds Son and Wardale brass box sextant. Circa World War II.…

WWII Brass Sextant in Leather Case

Reynolds Son and Wardale brass box sextant. Circa World War II. In leather case.

A cased Lilley and Reynolds vintage sextant.

Vintage Lilley & Reynolds Sextant in Original Case

A cased Lilley and Reynolds vintage sextant.

Wood cased sextant

Wooden Sextant

Wood cased sextant

English 'Hezzanith' sextant, with wooden case, 28 cm x 27 cm

Hezzanith Sextant with Wooden Case

English 'Hezzanith' sextant, with wooden case, 28 cm x 27 cm

Victorian width S Silver & Co., London sextant, steel and brass…

Victorian Silver Sextant in Fitted Case

Victorian width S Silver & Co., London sextant, steel and brass in fitted case

A drum or pocket sextant, by W.Wilson, London, lacquered brass…

Antique Pocket Sextant by W. Wilson, London (1903)

A drum or pocket sextant, by W.Wilson, London, lacquered brass case dated 1903 and sold-out-of-service marks, leather case with broad arrow mark. Diameter 7 cm

A Victorian sextant, in original fitted box with lenses.

Victorian Sextant in Fitted Box with Lenses

A Victorian sextant, in original fitted box with lenses.

An antique English brass sextent in mahogany box, marks…

18th Century Brass Sextant in Mahogany Box

An antique English brass sextent in mahogany box, marks illegible '.....London', late 18th century, the box 32 cm high

Sextant No. 68103 Kelvin and Hughes in box..

Kelvin and Hughes Sextant in Box (8 words)

Sextant No. 68103 Kelvin and Hughes in box..

Antique cased sextant by Spencer Browning & Co in original…

Antique Spencer Browning & Co. Sextant in Timber Box

Antique cased sextant by Spencer Browning & Co in original timber box with label of sellers in London, the brass section carved with Spencer Browning & Co., London (late Spencer Browning and Rust). Condition: good mechanics seem to be in order, possibly…

Victorian ebony sextant by W H Mallee, Northfields with ivory…

Victorian Ebony Sextant by W H Mallee with Case

Victorian ebony sextant by W H Mallee, Northfields with ivory makers plaque, vernier arc scale, brass fittings and lenses, fitted in mahogany case with retailers label for a London retailer

Berry & Macky (Aberdeen) sextant No 17884

Berry & Macky Sextant No. 17884

Berry & Macky (Aberdeen) sextant No 17884

Tamaya (Japan) sextant in box.

Tamaya Sextant in Original Box

Tamaya (Japan) sextant in box.

Kelvin Hughes of London Victorian sextant in good original…

Victorian Sextant by Kelvin Hughes - Excellent Condition

Kelvin Hughes of London Victorian sextant in good original condition

Small-cased brass sextant

Brass Sextant - Small Case

Small-cased brass sextant

A cased sextant by J. Coombes, the arc engraved with maker's…

J. Coombes Cased Sextant Owned by M. Farquhar, RN

A cased sextant by J. Coombes, the arc engraved with maker's name and owner's name: M. Farquhar, RN. Exam Cert dated 1912 affixed inside lid.

A Victorian brass sextant, various lenses and filters, the…

Victorian Brass Sextant with Mahogany Case

A Victorian brass sextant, various lenses and filters, the mahogany case with label to interior for John Bruce of Liverpool 'Compass Adjuster'.

A sextant in mahogany case, late 19th century, by H. Hughes and…

Antique Sextant by H. Hughes & Son, London

A sextant in mahogany case, late 19th century, by H. Hughes and Son Ltd. 59 Fenchurch St. London, 26 cm high

A c.1953 Heath & Co. of London 'Hezzanith' sextant, ebonised…

1953 Hezzanith Sextant with Teak Box and Certification

A c.1953 Heath & Co. of London 'Hezzanith' sextant, ebonised frame with brass detail and silver scale, original teak box with 'National Physical Laboratory, Teddington' certification.

Boxed Henry Hughes sextant. Labelled #52984 - radius 6 inches…

Vintage Henry Hughes Sextant #52984, 6" Radius, 1946 Label

Boxed Henry Hughes sextant. Labelled #52984 - radius 6 inches reading to 10 inches. Attached label dated 5-12-46.

A boxed English Nautical sextant, 1885, with maker's mark for…

Antique English Nautical Sextant in Original Box

A boxed English Nautical sextant, 1885, with maker's mark for Henry Barrow & Co., London, in the original box with all instrument specifications to a brass plaque to the interior of the lid. Height 11.5 cm. Width 20.5 cm. Depth 19 cm. (box)

A mahogany cased sextant by Crichton of London with interesting.…

Crichton Sextant with Provenance from Thomas Sopwith

A mahogany cased sextant by Crichton of London with interesting. Provenance' Thomas Sopwith the mahogany case with brass plaque inscribed: T.O.M. SOPWITH' the brass sextant inscribed 'Crichton London, made for D. McGregor Greenock & Glasgow' with various…

Cased sextant with access & original key C1890, Wilson & Gillie…

Cased Wilson & Gillie Sextant (1890) with Key

Cased sextant with access & original key C1890, Wilson & Gillie (in mahogany box)

A Victorian sextant in mahogany case. Box measures: 13 cm high,…

Victorian Mahogany Sextant in Case

A Victorian sextant in mahogany case. Box measures: 13 cm high, 29 cm long, 33 cm wide

A early sextant in original box by 'Mc Millan and Talbott,…

Antique Sextant in Original Box by Mc Millan and Talbott

A early sextant in original box by 'Mc Millan and Talbott, Tower Hill, London' retailed by Boettgers - Adelaide (Provenance: Estate of Sir Arthur Rymill)

Sextant in case with a scope & two lenses. condition good, some…

Antique Sextant with Scope and Lenses in Box

Sextant in case with a scope & two lenses. condition good, some wear consistant with age & use. Dimensions of box 25 x 22.5 x 13 cm

Late 19th century brass sextant - made for the Sailers Home…

Brass Sextant by Heath & Co. for Sailers Home Liverpool

Late 19th century brass sextant - made for the Sailers Home Liverpool by Heath & Co. London (A/F)

A miniature sextant in leather case

Leather case sextant

A miniature sextant in leather case

A boxed brass model sextant, later 20th century, with the…

Brass Sextant in Timber Box

A boxed brass model sextant, later 20th century, with the appearance of a ship's navigation instrument, and housed in a hinged and brass trimmed timber box; unmarked. Height 9 cm. Width 19 cm. Depth 19 cm

A World War II Aircraft bubble sextant, circa 1940, the mark IX…

WWII Aircraft Bubble Sextant

A World War II Aircraft bubble sextant, circa 1940, the mark IX Air Ministry sextant made for determining the altitude of the sun, with photocopied instruction booklet by Henry Hughes & Son Ltd. Length 21 cm

An antique timber sextant case with folk art decoration

Folk Art Sextant Case

An antique timber sextant case with folk art decoration

An early 3 inch brass drum sextant by Stanley of London, with…

Antique Brass Drum Sextant by Stanley of London

An early 3 inch brass drum sextant by Stanley of London, with leather case

An Astro Nagivation sextant with case

Astro Sextant with Case for Navigation

An Astro Nagivation sextant with case

Antique Elliot Brothers (London) pocket sextant with leather…

Antique Elliot Brothers Pocket Sextant and Instruments

Antique Elliot Brothers (London) pocket sextant with leather case 8 cm wide approx, together with various geometry and map reading instruments

An English 'Husun' boxed sextant, circa 1946 Husun trade mark,…

1946 English Husun Boxed Sextant by Henry Hughes & Son

An English 'Husun' boxed sextant, circa 1946 Husun trade mark, Henry Hughes & Son Ltd. Height 14 cm. Width 26 cm. Depth 27.5 cm. (box)

A Japanese boxed sextant mid 20th century Tamaya & Co Ltd.…

Japanese Sextant by Tamaya & Co Ltd

A Japanese boxed sextant mid 20th century Tamaya & Co Ltd. Ginza Tokyo. Height 16.5 cm. Width 29.5 cm. Depth 29.5 cm. (box)

A mahogany cased brass sextant, No. 1339 by George Whitbread…

Edward Parker Bedwell's Mahogany Sextant by George Whitbread London

A mahogany cased brass sextant, No. 1339 by George Whitbread London, presented to Edward Parker Bedwell. This sextant inscribed 'Presented by Greenwich Hospital to Edw'd Parker Bedwell' is believed to have been presented to Staff-Commander Edward Parker…

Cased sextant with paper label 'Chart Agent...London'. 19th…

19th Century Cased Sextant with London Chart Agent Label

Cased sextant with paper label 'Chart Agent...London'. 19th century

S F Mercer Gothic sextant japaned brass

Japaned Brass Gothic Sextant by S.F. Mercer

S F Mercer Gothic sextant japaned brass

A mid Victorian casted sextant retailed by Seagrove of…

Seagrove's Victorian Sextant: Owned by Admiral HWS Gibson RN

A mid Victorian casted sextant retailed by Seagrove of Portsmouth, owned by Admiral HWS Gibson RN., Commander of the Australian Coastal Fleet from 1891-1894

A nickel silver cased boat box sextant by Troughton & Simms…

1851 Troughton & Simms Boat Box Sextant with Inscription

A nickel silver cased boat box sextant by Troughton & Simms with presentation inscription dated 1851

A boxed Hezzanith Rapid Reader sextant made by Heath & Co, new…

Hezzanith Rapid Reader Sextant with Accessories and Certificate

A boxed Hezzanith Rapid Reader sextant made by Heath & Co, new Eltham, London. Model no. U803, with certificate of examination (1952) and accessories. in mahogany case.

Miniature Sextant, Quarter Size Vernier Sextant, box approx 13…

Miniature Vernier Sextant by Nauticalia UK

Miniature Sextant, Quarter Size Vernier Sextant, box approx 13 cm x 13 cm x 8 cm. Nauticalia UK.These were carried as backup on smaller ships or in aircraft in case of damage to the main sextant

Husun sextant in a fitted timber case. Dimensions of case 27.5…

Husun Sextant in Fitted Timber Case

Husun sextant in a fitted timber case. Dimensions of case 27.5 x 26.5 x 14 cm

German made Freiberger Drum Sextant, in original fitted box…

Freiberger Drum Sextant with Box and Manual

German made Freiberger Drum Sextant, in original fitted box with instruction manual

Husan sextant by Hughes of London, Wartime 1944

Hughes' Wartime Sextant: 1944 London

Husan sextant by Hughes of London, Wartime 1944

German sextant in box by Plath of Hamburg 1923

Plath Hamburg Sextant 1923 in Box

German sextant in box by Plath of Hamburg 1923

Modern cased sextant by Heath

Heath's Modern Cased Sextant

Modern cased sextant by Heath

Antique Henry Barrow & Co Sextant, (London), with original…

Antique Henry Barrow Sextant with Timber Case

Antique Henry Barrow & Co Sextant, (London), with original timber case, 29 x 29 cm,

A cased Husun sextant no 54555. The following 14 lots were…

Cased Husun Sextant Owned by Circumnavigators

A cased Husun sextant no 54555. The following 14 lots were previously owned by Mr & Mrs Croix Grut, believed to be the first New Zealand couple to circumnavigate the world, in the late '60s.

A brass cased pocket sextant by A. Hobbs, the cylindrical case…

A. Hobbs Brass Pocket Sextant with Vernier Scale

A brass cased pocket sextant by A. Hobbs, the cylindrical case unscrewing to form the body of the sextant, complete with instructions engraved to the inside and with silvered Vernier scale. Diameter 8 cm

Antique English brass & ebony maritime sextant, signed Thomas…

Antique Maritime Sextant by Thomas Bassnett Liverpool

Antique English brass & ebony maritime sextant, signed Thomas Bassnett Liverpool

Japanese Tamaya & Co sextant, manufactured Tokyo, model number…

Japanese Tamaya Sextant with Fitted Wooden Case

Japanese Tamaya & Co sextant, manufactured Tokyo, model number 632, model 1, with wooden fitted case

Henry Hughes & Son Limited sextant in a fitted campaign case…

Antique Henry Hughes Sextant with Fitted Case and Eyepieces

Henry Hughes & Son Limited sextant in a fitted campaign case together with three fitted eyepieces dimensions 25 x 22.5 x 13 cm

A cased brass sextant, 19th century, the index arm stamped with…

Brass Sextant, 19th Century

A cased brass sextant, 19th century, the index arm stamped with maker's mark indistinct, the frame with mahogany handle, mirrors and telescope, the index arm adjusted by tangent screw with silvered vernier fine read out, the brass top plate to the box…

A good 19th century sextant in shaped mahogany case. The…

Antique Mahogany Sextant by Watkins & Hill

A good 19th century sextant in shaped mahogany case. The instrument made with ebony frame, ivory arc and gilt brass fittings by Watkins & Hill, Charing cross, London. Inscription reads 'Presented to James Boys by T Whitehead. Length 32 cm

A good early 19th century English brass sextant in fitted…

Antique Brass Sextant by Sewill, 19th Century

A good early 19th century English brass sextant in fitted velvet lined mahogany case. Signed on the arc. Sewill. Maker to the Royal Navy, Liverpool. Width 28 cm.mmDiameter 28 cm

Circa 1910 Cook, Troughton and Simms sextant. Brass with silver…

Vintage Sextant with Box and Eyepieces

Circa 1910 Cook, Troughton and Simms sextant. Brass with silver index. Includes two other eyepieces. Boxed

German Plath, Hamburg sextant. Brass and wood construction.…

Hamburg Sextant in Brass and Wood Case

German Plath, Hamburg sextant. Brass and wood construction. Cased