Their Finest Sextant Ever

Rarely do we have the opportunity to offer an absolutely outstanding and near flawless "Collector Quality" example of any maker's sextant. In this case we present a rare 1978 C. Plath Navistar Classic, Serial No. 61538 in its magnificent Mahogany wood case with an upgraded Carl Zeiss 4 x 40 scope and the Deutche Hydrographic Institute stamp of approval. The Deutche Hydrographic Institute stamp of approval elevates it to the highest level because it indicates this instrument was tested by them and found to meet the more stringent standards for commercial use. Hence, this sextant sold for more originally then the regular Navistar Classic. PROVENANCE: The Navistar Classic was the top of the Plath line and was made in limited quantities. It sold for a premium over all its other sextants.  For example, almost 30 years age, it sold for over $1000.00. The visual clue is the special micrometer drum and the Navistar brand imprint. The vernier has six indents and reads to 10 seconds of arc. On its index arm is a label from the Deutche Hydrographic Institute dated 2/1/78 certifying it for commercial service. It comes with its original detailed instruction booklet, and Plath's certification with matching numbers. Since new, it was the property of a U.S. licensed Master who owned it from the time he was third mate. He admits to not using it much with the advent of first SATNAV and later GPS. Mostly it sat on a shelf in his locker. We took a couple of test sights and it has no index or side error.  C. Plath quit producing sextants around 2001. The parent company has completely liquidated everything including machinery, equipment and spare parts. For the seven year period from 1978 through 1985 only 1693 Navistar Classics were made. That is only 211 per year to satisfy worldwide demand. CONDITION: There is little discernable evidence of wear  or use so that it can be considered as near new in all respects. It operates like a well oiled piece of machinery, and has NO faults even minor ones. Both mirrors shows as NEW. The case is unscratched except for some scuff marks on the bottom. The lighting works. The bronze arc has only the slightest patina of age. There is no index or side error.        Flawless index mirror                    Perfect horizon mirror Original booklet & certificate                                     Like new case This is the one of the finest examples of a previously owned C. Plath Navistar Classic that we have ever seen and is suitable for a collector or for use at sea . It requires someone who can appreciate the fine points of a sextant, and is willing to pay an appropriate price for this level of quality and excellence. STAR RATING: This super fine Collector Quality instrument rates FIVE PLUS STARS irrespective of age, the third time I have given that rating.   CREDENTIALS: We are one of the few people still selling navigation instruments that know anything about them. For purposes of judging whether my opinion counts, I 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. I  am also a retired Master Mariner, and held a U.S. Navy "D" Qualification as a Senior Skipper - Oceans.    COMPANY HISTORY: In brief, Carl Plath started manufacturing sextants, in addition to other nautical products, in Hamburg Germany in 1862 though the company's origin dates back to 1837. As a result WW II, C.Plath was dismantled completely by the occupation forces. Around 1950, various prohibitions were lifted, and C. Plath was allowed to begin production again of sextants and other nautical instruments. Also in 1949,C.Plath was offered a gyrocompass patent and in 1951 the first gyrocompass designed to this patent was presented to the public. C.Plath progressed from the role of instrument maker to that of a modern marine navigation equipment manufacturer. In the following years the product range was expanded by many more modern designs such as autopilots, speed logs, radio direction finders, etc. In 1962 C.Plath was acquired by Litton Industries, a large American concern.The C.Plath North American Division was set up in 1978 in College Park near Washington. 1996 saw the introduction of the world's first fiber-optic solid-state gyrocompass by C.Plath. The first ever gyrocompass with no moving parts. Sperry Marine was formed in 1997 with the combination of C.Plath, Decca Marine and Sperry Marine with more organizational changes yet to come. After 163 years, C.Plath changes its name to Sperry Marine in May 2000. In 2001 Sperry Marine becomes part of the Northrop Grumman Corporation.     C. PLATH NAVISTAR CLASSIC SPECIFICATIONS: Measuring Range: -5 to 125 degrees Telescope: 4 x 40 Coated optics Frame: Bronze with black enamel paint and bronze arc. Micrometer Drum and Vernier Scale: reads to 10 seconds of arc Index Mirror: 56 x 42 mm. aluminized on the rear side. Horizon Mirror: 57mm diameter. Shades: 4 for index mirror 3 for horizon mirror Weight sextant:   4.2 lbs, Weight case 6 lbs. INCLUDED ARE:        1 C. Plath Sextant frame 1  4 x 40 Scope 1 Mirror adjustment tool 1 Brush 1 Varnished Mahogany sextant case with two keys GUARANTEE OF SATISFACTION: You must be fully satisfied with your purchase on arrival and that our description is entirely accurate or your money back. The only conditions are that an email authorization be obtained within three days, and that the instrument is returned in its original condition and packaging, and insured for its full value. Unfortunately, shipping charges are not included in this offer and are non-refundable unless we are at fault.   INTERNATIONAL BUYERS WELCOME, but inquire first. We have satisfied customers in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.   ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, money order, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. No checks from overseas buyers, no credit cards or PayPal accepted on this item.   Only twice before have we offered a Navistar sextant that was so perfect. A true masterpiece that will be equally home at sea or in a collection of only the finest.   Copyright 2006 by Land And Sea Collection.com, All Rights Reserved