Sold to a USMMA Graduate.
Thank you!
5 PLUS STARS
Presented is a never used sextant that was made to U.S.
Maritime Commission specifications for our Merchant Marine in World War II. It is the third of this design that we have ever offered, and arguably the finest. Even though there must have been a considerable number made, very few have survived the War. Most we’ve handled or read of were made by Leupold-Stevens so this one by Rudolph Wendel may be considered
rare. It is in absolutely outstanding condition and flawless.
Offered for sale to a connoisseur of nautical instruments who will appreciate all its high quality and flawless condition. Serial No. 45475 was made by Rudolph Wendel, Inc of N.Y., a little known company, in 1946. It comes complete with all its accessories, its Mahogany case, and includes its last inspection certificate dated 2/22/46. Its arc reads to 125 degrees. It is smaller, by almost one inch on the vertical measurement then standard contemporary sextants which makes it ideal for use on small vessels where space is a premium.
Listed are one of a kind design features, that are present in the standard
U.S. Maritime Commission Sextant:
Small size and light weight
Adjustable rising piece*
Bronze frame with “125” mark
Vernier reading to 10 arc seconds
Custom Mahogany case with military latches
* This is a feature not normally found on contemporary sextants which
allows the telescope to be moved towards and away from the frame thereby adjusting the brightness of the horizon. This helps in making more accurate twilight-light sights.
Presented is a never used sextant that was made to U.S.
Maritime Commission specifications for our Merchant Marine in World War II. It is the third of this design that we have ever offered, and arguably the finest. Even though there must have been a considerable number made, very few have survived the War. Most we’ve handled or read of were made by Leupold-Stevens so this one by Rudolph Wendel may be considered
rare. It is in absolutely outstanding condition and flawless.
Offered for sale to a connoisseur of nautical instruments who will appreciate all its high quality and flawless condition. Serial No. 45475 was made by Rudolph Wendel, Inc of N.Y., a little known company, in 1946. It comes complete with all its accessories, its Mahogany case, and includes its last inspection certificate dated 2/22/46. Its arc reads to 125 degrees. It is smaller, by almost one inch on the vertical measurement then standard contemporary sextants which makes it ideal for use on small vessels where space is a premium.
Listed are one of a kind design features, that are present in the standard
U.S. Maritime Commission Sextant:
Small size and light weight
Adjustable rising piece*
Bronze frame with “125” mark
Vernier reading to 10 arc seconds
Custom Mahogany case with military latches
* This is a feature not normally found on contemporary sextants which
allows the telescope to be moved towards and away from the frame thereby adjusting the brightness of the horizon. This helps in making more accurate twilight-light sights.
CONDITION: The sextant is immaculate. It
shows no wear or use so that it can be considered as “new old
stock” in all respects. All its machinery works smoothly. Both fitted mirrors show as NEW without exception. The
numbers match on the instrument and certificate. The index error and side error are negligible. The certificate
is included. No locks are fitted to this style case.
Non-adjustable instrument error ranges from
5 to 15 arc seconds which is in line with the best contemporary sextants which are rated at less than 20 arc
seconds.
STAR RANKING: This sextant rates 5 PLUS STARS
SCROLL DOWN TO GALLERY FOR ADDITIONAL PICTURES
This is fine sextant in
exquisite condition and is backed by our guarantee of satisfaction. It requires someone who can appreciate the fine points
of a sextant, and is willing to pay an appropriate price for this level of uniqueness, quality and excellence.
DOES MY OPINION COUNT: We are one of the few company’s 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 also am a retired Master Mariner, and held a U.S. Navy “D” Qualification
as a Senior Skipper – Oceans. From 1995 until 2001, I served as a Varsity Offshore Coach at the U.S. Naval Academy.
U.S. NAVY MK II SPECIFICATIONS:
Length of index arm 8 7/8″
Width of frame 9 1/8″
Measuring Range: -5 to 125 degrees
Accuracy: Tested
to +/- 20 arc seconds
Telescope: 2.5 x 26 mm
Coated optics Field of view 6.7 deg
Frame: bronze with flat black enamel paint and white numbers
Arc: Bronze
Micrometer Drum and Vernier Scale: reads to 10 arc seconds
Index Mirror: 55 x 30 mm
Horizon Mirror: 40 x 36 mm
Shades:
3 for index mirror
2 for
horizon mirror
Illumination: No
Weight sextant:
2.5 lbs, Weight case in case 7 lbs.
INCLUDED ARE:
1 Sextant frame
1 2.5 x 26 Scope
1 Mirror adjustment tool
1 Mahogany sextant case. No locks
1 Certificate dated 1946 with MC acceptance stamp
