Presented is a contemporary three ring bronze frame sextant by the  British instrument maker, Heath, & Co., LTD, New Eltham, London. The instrument has its original certificate dated 24 June 1971 which matches its serial number of 71350. It has served at sea which shows in the wear to its case, but the instrument is in overall excellent condition. It is fitted with a low power and wide field of view star scope which is also good for all-around use. The telescope is mounted on a fixed arm called a rising piece.

 

The arc measures from - 5 to plus 125 degrees. It is read by micrometer drum with tangent screw off a vernier reading to 10 arc seconds. A quick-release mechanism at the end of the arm engages with worm teeth cut on the underside of the limb. This mechanism, marked "‘HEZZANITH’ ENDLESS TANGENT SCREW AUTOMATIC CLAMP PATENT facilitates making fine adjustments. The original British patent for this lever was issued in 1909.

 

BRIEF HISTORY OF MAKER: The Heath name was synonymous with quality from the earliest days of the London scientific instrument trade. The Thomas Heath firm, and its predecessor's operations date back to 1720 when Thomas Heath began making instruments on the Strand in London. Many people associated with the family firm went on to become prominent instrument makers in their own right. Such men as Adams, Troughton, and Watkins worked there for a time before embarking on their own. In 1845 Thomas Heath, II took the helm and the firm's name was changed to Heath & Co., and it continued in business until the mid 20th Century. The Heath three ring frame design Hezzanith sextant is likely the most numerous ever produced, and can still be found in great quantity today.

INSTRUMENT CONDITION: Except for a very few minor cosmetic exceptions, it is in outstanding condition with all its metal machinery in good working condition, and only shows minimal wear. The horizon and index mirrors are in like new condition. The manufacture did not provide illumination on this model.

The index arm clamp works freely, and the tangent screw moves as it should. The shade glasses are complete and in good working order. The midnight black wrinkled finish bronze frame is in good condition except for some minor evidence of age in a few places. The instrument has four shades for it telescope which is clear and sharp. The original adjustment pick is missing, but a replacement is provided. The original inspection certificate is present, but we took some practice sights which, after tuning, worked to our satisfaction. Adjustable error is 1 minute off the arc index and there is no appreciable side error.

STAR RATING: Everything of the instrument is original and in good working order and this instrument should rate 5 Stars. It is ready to go back to sea.

 

 

THE SEXTANT'S CASE: The sextant is housed in a square case, complete, with a latch that is a recent replacement. The case is made out of a laminated plywood with a very thin outer veneer. Some of this is missing in a few places and some has delaminated. There are no age cracks, but there are holes drilled through the bottom which indicate this case was mounted on a bulkhead which is the practice of many navigators. There are some scratches and degradation of laminate, but the inside of the case is clean and fresh, and remains sturdy.

 

Flawless horizon mirror

Perfect index mirror

Strong case

SEE MORE PICTURES IN THE GALLERY BELOW

SPECIFICATIONS:

 

Telescope 4 x 26 est.

Length of index arm    9 1/8"

Width of frame at arc 9 1/4"

Index mirror 30 x 40 mm

Horizon mirror 30 x 45 mm

Instrument weight 3 lbs      Total weight 8 lbs

 

OUR QUALIFICATIONS: We are one of the few company's still selling navigation instruments that know anything about them. For purposes of judging whether Joel's opinion counts, he was the editor of the chapter on sextants of the 1977 Edition of "Bowditch", The American Practical Navigator, NAVPUB 9; a member of the U.S. Naval Academy Navigation Symposium Board, 1975 -1978; the author of a book on marine sextants, Cornell Maritime Press,1975, and the founding president of Nautech Maritime Corporation which partnered with Tamaya of Japan in the introduction of the MS 733 Spica, the MS 833, Jupiter, MS 933 Venus sextants and the famous NC-2 navigation computer, in the U.S. market. Joel is also a retired Master Mariner, and held a U.S. Navy "D" Qualification as a Senior Skipper - Oceans. From 1995 through 2000, he served as a Varsity Offshore Sailing Team coach at the U.S. Naval Academy.

This is a fine useable instrument ready to go back to sea or to be used to learn the art of celestial navigation. 

OUR UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within three days of receipt in its original condition and packaging. Returns must be insured for their full value. All that is required is a prior email authorization by us for the return. Unfortunately, no refund can be made for the cost of shipping, packaging and handling unless we are at fault.

INTERNATIONAL BUYERS WELCOME, but contact us first. We have customers in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirate, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.

SHIPPING & PACKING: The cost of shipping, packing, handling, and insurance to your destination, is an additional charge. You may email us to get these costs. We price our very special packing and shipping honestly, but we expect to be reimbursed for the nominal cost of packaging materials and handling. TO READ OUR COMPANY POLICES IN DETAIL CLICK HERE

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