Case for triple circle sextant and accessories

Manufacturer Henry Hughes & Son Ltd (British, 1828 - 1947)

Date1850-1900

Object number00028234

NameCase

MediumWood, brass, paper, felt, glass, ink

DimensionsOverall: 130 x 257 x 242 mm, 1.95 kg

ClassificationsTools and equipment

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Dorothy Sharp

Terms

DescriptionThis lacquered rectangular wooden case was produced to hold a triple circle sextant and its accessories (two telescopes, a dark tube, an eyepiece, two eyepiece filters, an extra vernier screw, and two cleaning cloths). The interior has various wooden compartments, some with moveable wooden arms to hold and secure the contents. Stuck to the interior of the lid in a glass covered brass frame is a Certificate of Examination from the National Physical Laboratory.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. This case was made for a triple circle (or three circle) sextant manufactured by the well known English instrument maker Henry Hughes and Sons in the late 1800s. 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. 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.SignificanceThis box 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.