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Sextant with eye pieces and case
Sextant with eye pieces and case

Sextant with eye pieces and case

Object numberV00006885
NameSextant
MediumMahogany wood, brass
DimensionsOverall: 124 x 330 x 270 mm, 1.6 kg
ClassificationsTools and equipment
Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionWooden (mahogany) keystone sextant case made by Spencer, Browning & Rust, London. Dated to 1850s. Although this sextant was made in England, the case contains two American instrument makers cards. One card depicts how the sextant was used for measuring lunar distances.HistoryThe sextant was developed in 1757. It is an instrument of double reflection by means of two mirrors, and thus although its actual arc subtends an angle of 60 degrees (1/6th of a circle - hence the name sextant), it is capable of measuring angles up to 120 degrees. The sextant was an improvement on the earlier quadrant, an instrument capable for measuring angles up to 90 degrees (1/4th of a circle hence the name quadrant). The capacity of sextants to read angles greater than 90 degrees was an advantage when using the lunar distance method to determine longitude. This was also useful for taking horizontal angles. SignificanceThis sextant case is representative of the high level of technological development achieved in the design and manufacture of navigational instruments in the 19th century.
Keystone sextant case with American trade labels
Spencer, Browning and Rust
1784-1840
Sun filter from sextant
Spencer, Browning and Rust
1784-1840
Telescope, sextant accessory
Spencer, Browning and Rust
1784-1840
Telescope, sextant accessory
Spencer, Browning and Rust
1784-1840
Telescope, sextant accessory
Spencer, Browning and Rust
1784-1840
Telescope, sextant accessory
Spencer, Browning and Rust
1784-1840
Sextant made by Spencer, Browning and Rust
Spencer, Browning and Rust
1784-1840
Octant case
Thomas Hemsley
1820 - 1840
Magnifying glass, sextant accessory
Spencer, Browning and Rust
1784-1840
Tangent screw for sextant
Spencer, Browning and Rust
1784-1840