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This Fine Instrument Has Been Sold. Thank you!
RARE C.PLATH
PLATH BUBBLE HORIZON
LAST of a BREED ~ 5 Stars
Presented is a rarely seen late model C. Plath Bubble Horizon
in absolutely outstanding and flawless condition. The serial number shows the design as Ca 1991 manufacturer. This is the
last such horizon design made by C. Plath and has an internal power supply consisting of two 1.5 volt Duracell 357 batteries.
Therefore, there are no wires and it can be used on a wide variety of sextants other than C. Plath and Cassens &
Plath without having to worry about a power source. This would include Tamaya, Astra, and the Russian CHOT/SNOT. Like all Plath bubbles except for the one produced directly after WW II, the size of the bubble is not
adjustable. No carrying cases were supplied since most were sold with a sextant having a case within which it would fit. A
simple trip to the camera store can solve that problem if necessary. The occular lens is adjustable for focus.On July 3, 2008, Ken Gebhart of Celestaire writes me that this unit which was discontinued around 2001,
sold new for $1,700.00.
There is no instruction booklet, but there is a copy of a C. Plath letter
explaining its use. The device is simple to use and provides an artificial horizon using a circular illuminated bubble as
a sustutute for a horizon reference. The bubble is centered at the midpoint of the viewing area and the celestial body is
brought into coincidence with the bubble's center.
CONDITION: We were told it
was purchased in 1991 and never used. On receipt, the required illumination did not work which was traced to a faulty LED
which was replaced using a US bulb and two new 357 Duracell batteries.
MARKINGS:
Above the front lens: C PLATH, 3057
Under
the rotary switch: Off On
Pictured below are two mint condition C. Plath Navistar Classic sextants which it
fits along with Cassens & Plath, Tamaya, Friberger, and the Russian CHOT/SNOT.
The links to these sextants which are for sale are:
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Mounted on 1991 C. Plath Navistar Classic | |
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Mounted on 1983 C. Plath Navistar Classic | |
THE SEXTANTS PICTURED ARE NOT INCLUDED BUT ARE FOR SALE!
SUGGESTED USE:
The bubble horizon has a 2 power optical system and a smaller than normal field of view. The internal dampening mechanism
of the bubble is greater than will be found on less costly alternatives, but requires some practice in getting used to. The
Plath Bubble Horizon is far superior to a normal artificial horizon which can only be used for objects with altitudes of less
than 60 degrees and can not be used for twilight sights. This makes it ideally suited for land based training applications,
for land navigation and for use at sea from ships large enough to be a stable platform. Interestingly, in the 1970-80's this
device, in an earlier form, was issued to U.S. submarines for back-up celestial navigation. Ref. Dutton's Seamanship &
Navigation, 12th Edition, Article 2206, page 385.
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Standard sextant rising piece | |
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C. PLATH BUBBLE HORIZON SPECIFICATIONS:
Magnification 2 X
4" 3/4 H x 4" L x 1 7/8" W
Slip-on green filter included
Weight: 7 oz
This
device is suited for someone who can appreciate the fine points of its design, and is willing to pay an appropriate price
for this level of C. Plath quality and excellence.
COMPANY HISTORY: In brief, Carl
Plath started manufacturing sextants, in addition to other nautical products, in Hamburg Germany in 1862 though the purchase
of the David Filby instrument company 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. In the 1990's Plath came out with a series of new sextant designs with overlapping designs and confusing names.
Shortly thereafter, C. Plath quit producing sextants. The parent company has completely liquidated everything including machinery,
equipment and spare parts.
OUR UNCONDITIONAL NO NONSENSE
GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned, if without damage, within three days
of receipt in its original packaging. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization
by us for the return is required. Shipping charges are included in this offer if the error is due to our fault within the
continental United States.
International buyers welcome,
but inquire first. We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands,
Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland,
Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico,
New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia,
Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, St. Maarten, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and
the Eastern Caribbean.
SHIPPING & PACKING: Extra protective packaging
is provided for shipment. The cost of shipping, packing, handling, and insurance to your destination is an additional charge.
You may email us beforehand to get these costs. We price shipping honestly, but expect to be reimbursed for the nominal cost
of packaging materials and handling.
ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT
are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. No credit cards
or PayPal accepted on this item.
Only
three times before have we offered a C. Plath Bubble Horizon. It will be equally home at sea or in a collection of only the
finest.
Copyright 2011 by Land And Sea Collection™,
All Rights Reserved
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