Triple circle sextant cloth

Datelate 20th century

Object number00028242

NameChamois

MediumLeather

DimensionsOverall: 70 x 55 x 1 mm, 10 g

ClassificationsTools and equipment

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Dorothy Sharp

Terms

DescriptionThis cloth was used to clean a late 19th century Henry Hughes & Son triple circle sextant.HistoryThe sextant is a navigational instrument used to measure vertical and horizontal angles at sea and is an essential instrument in the safe navigation of ships on open water. Developed in the late 1750s from the more primitive quadrant, the sextant could measure up to 120 degrees and was essential for the making of lunar observations in order to calculate a ship's longitude. The triple circle, along with the modified lattice sextant, is the most popular of sextant designs. Its open frame and strong construction ensures it is easy to handle and robust enough for everyday use. Unlike many other English instrument makers, Henry Hughes and Sons - established in 1839 - showed a large amount of commercial acumen with the adoption of industrial procedure in the manufacturing of scientific instruments. As a result, the company survived into the mid 1950s while many other instrument makers were forced to close.SignificanceThis cleaning cloth is significant in its association with a triple circle sextant, which represents the high level of technological development achieved in the design and manufacture of navigational instruments in the 19th century.