F. Smith & Son Opticians Quintant/Sextant Late 19th Century

F. Smith & Son Opticians
Quintant/Sextant
Late 19th Century

This Fine Item Has Been Sold! Thank you!

OUTSTANDING PRESENTATION QUALITY

Late 19th Century Quintant/Sextant

SPECIFICATIONS:

CASE 10 3/4″ x 10″ L x 5 1/4″ W

QUINTANT / SEXTANT:

3 Sighting scopes Length of index arm 9 ” Width of Arc 10 1/8″

Arc Measures from 0 to 155 degrees

Index Mirror 47 mm x 30 mm Horizon Mirror 32 mm x 22 mm

Presented is a beautiful instrument retailed by F. Smith & Son of Southampton, UK. They were a well known Marine equipment and Instrument dealer founded in 1870. We are not aware of who made this instrument as it was apparently a “private label” piece for this dealer. However, it is very close in all it’s design qualities to a very early C Plath piece we offered recently.

It has an approximately 3 1/2 power telescope, and a sighting tube for shooting terrestrial objects. The adjustable rising piece allows moving the telescope towards or away from the frame making the horizon more distinct under varying light conditions. The bronze arc has a Sliver insert that is calibrated -5 to +155 degrees with a vernier that reads from the right, from 0 to 10 arc seconds. The sextant has four index shades and three horizon shades. NOTE: A quintant has a range of arc of 144° compared to a sextant which reads to 120°. This was helpful in measuring Lunar Distances, which was a means of determining longitude without a chronometer.

Back of Sextant Inscription om Arc

The instrument is in excellent condition and the case has been refinished and relined. All of the parts are present, with 3 sighting scopes. The mirrors are clear as are the gradations in the silver inlay arc.

SEXTANT WEIGHT 2 lbs 15 oz Cased Weight 7 lbs 12 oz

CONDITION: Irrespective of its age, this quintant shows very little use and is in exceptionally fine condition. The index mirror is clear. The horizon mirror is also clear with the engraved base showing “Duplex Patent”. Both sets of shades (filters) are perfect. There is a mirror adjustment tool or screw driver and two lens caps. A small piece of frosted glass is present in the holder above the vernier’s scale.

THE CASE: The instrument is housed in a tongue and groove, flaming Mahogany case with beautiful grain pattern and polished brass fittings. It has been relined, and the F. Smith label has been laminated and affixed to the inside cover. The instrument cerrification and adjustment certificate is not present. Both the instrument and the case are in excellent condition. This exceptionally fine instrument has been polished and lacquered for an impressive display.

This beautiful and exceptionally fine Quintant will make an outstanding gift or presentation piece for any and all marine enthusiasts.

Shipping & Packaging

The cost of shipping, packing, handling, and insurance to your destination, will be calculated point to point and is an additional charge. You may email us to get these costs. We price our shipping honestly, but we expect to be reimbursed for the nominal cost of packaging materials and handling.

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 refundable if due to our error within the continental United States.

International buyers welcome, but inquire first. We have satisfied customers worldwide.

Standard Forms of Payment

Bank wire transfer, cashier’s check, money order, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. Our prices are quoted net to us so that the use of credit cards or PayPal incur extra charges. Terms on overseas sales are different.