by antiquer | August 15th, 2011
The Antique Sextant Is The Ideal Choice When Wanting To Precisely Navigate Big Water
Imagine the ship’s captain navigating in the middle of the ocean back in the 1700s. Using his sextant, in combination with a compass, he would measure the angle of a celestial object to a point on the horizon, check the time the coordinate was taken, and set his course. More than 300 years ago, he could determine exactly where the ship was and where it was headed because of the precise, and now classic navigational tool—the sextant.
Sextant In Use On The Map
If you’re an aficionado of this cool navigational tool and know the history of it, then you likely know that while many are collectors’ items, sextants are still used to navigate across the Great Lakes and oceans and the high seas.
Whether you’re a collector or navigator, you’ll like the fact that sextants are available in a range of finishes and sizes. High gloss solid brass and bronze finishes dominate the market, but you can also find sextants in polished enamel, usually black, and aluminum. To determine the instrument’s condition, check the sextant’s mirrors and handles, ensuring they’re in good working order. The frames should all be solid with no missing parts, such as screws and fittings. If the sextant has been used, especially in saltwater navigation, pitting or corrosion may have occurred. This doesn’t always detract from the quality of the piece, but it may affect the appreciation or value.
Classic Antique Sextant
Most quality sextants are housed in their own travel case, which are usually made out of fine woods like mahogany and rosewood, or leather and metal. Leather and cloth pouches may also be included with the case, or come separate. Look for travel cases with handles, either brass or wood, and that come with their own set of keys. The condition of the case may indicate the value of the instrument, but not always.
You may want to consider “collector quality” sextants. These are usually graded, or rated depending on the quality, craftsmanship, age, and condition of the piece. Antique dealers specializing in nautical antiques, such as Cuttysark, Hyland Granby or online experts, are often available to answer questions or provide appraisals. They also can help locate quality antique sextants that meet your specifications.
Depending on how rare or antique the sextant is, many have certificates of authenticity; however, even those without their papers can be tested for age. Many instruments have dates or serial numbers engraved. Frankly, without a date or serial number, even with accurate testing the margin of error can be nearly 20 years.
The issue of authenticity shouldn’t detract from the beauty and intricacy of these timeless nautical instruments. Whether they’re the “genuine” article or a reproduction, sextants remain in vogue—either as a collection item or for personal use on the high seas.