”TRANSFLEX” WHOLE
HORIZON MIRROR
We are the premier source for all versions of the Plath Navistar premium sextants and have sold more than any other dealer in the world!
We have sold numerous examples of the Plath Navistar Classic and it derivatives, including another 1991 version which has the rectangular horizon horizon mirror seen here with a whole horizon mirror. This is only the second of these “last of the breed” Plath Classics that we have discovered. It is in brand new, never used, flawless “Collector Quality” condition. It was previously owned by a medical doctor who intended to take a sabbatical to go to sea, but that never happened so it spent the last twenty years in a closet. Our 5 Star rating status is an achievement for which only a few sextants can qualify. This one goes beyond that to 5 Plus Stars.
The difference between this sextant and other Navistar Classics is that it is fitted with huge mirrors, and the the horizon mirror is rectangular and a “Whole Horizon” type called Transflex by Plath. It is the 20th Navistar we’ve offered. In our opinion, they are the finest of the contemporary sextants. They will be equally desirable at sea or in a collection of only the best, and should only appreciate in value.
CERTIFICATE OF ACCURACY: The original accuracy certificate and manual come with this sextant. Somewhere along, C. Plath stopped dating them which is a shame for those of us who have a historical interest in our work. However, over the years we have maintained a proprietary registry of Plath Serial numbers by year of manufacture and are able to date this sextant as being made Ca 1991.
This Navistar Classic style was one of the last high quality models Plath introduced in 1990, just 11 years before their sextant production ceased. Don’t confuse this sextant with the Navistar TRADITIONAL or the ROYAL, which we previously had for sale. This is only the second of the CLASSIC variant we have seen.
New, and exclusive “state of the art” design features:
Nonadjustable instrument error of < 8 arc seconds
Updated ladder style frame
Lever action tangent screw release
Oversize mirrors with Whole Horizon
Adjustable vernier for “0“ index error
Miniature batteries and light emitting diode
Adjustable Makrolon handle for ergonomic fit
Presentation grade lacquered case deluxe brass campaign fittings
DESIGN FEATURES: This Navistar Classic is the equal of the Navistar Royal in Plath’s line of premium sextants, and was made in limited quantities to the same degree of non-adjustable instrument error of 8 arc seconds, thereby putting it in the same class. Because it was a new design in 1990 with many advanced features, it sold for more than other sextants. The visual clues are the flat index arm with diode lighting, and the special micrometer drum with a rotating vernier, and Navistar brand imprint. The rotating vernier has six indents and reads to 10 seconds of arc. You turn it to match the “0” point with the “0” on the micrometer drum so that index error reads zero. It comes with its original detailed instruction booklet, with Plath certification and the number 64272, but no date. C. Plath quit producing sextants around 2001. The parent company has completely liquidated everything
including machinery, equipment and spare parts.
PROVENANCE: Purchased new from Weems & Plath in Annapolis, MD in 1990 by a medical doctor with a life long love of the sea, and with aspirations of doing some long term ocean voyaging. Because of his commitment to his patients, this has never come to pass.
CONDITION: Brand new and never used. It operates like a well oiled piece of machinery, and has NO faults even minor ones. Both mirrors shows as NEW. The illumination works with new Duracell D357 batteries. The bronze arc shows “as new”. There is no Index or side error. The original certificate is included with SN 64272. The case has a minor bruise on the top and a scratch on the lid’s top right front which have been touched-up in our shop. There are two keys included.
Perfect oversize index mirror
Flawless oversize whole horizon mirror
Special micrometer, vernier & Navistar mark
As only the second example of a C. Plath Navistar Classic sextant with a rectangular horizon mirror that we have ever seen, it is suitable
for a collector or for use at sea . It requires someone who can appreciate the uniqueness of this sextant, and is willing to pay for this level of quality and excellence
STAR RATING: This super fine Collector
Quality instrument rates FIVE PLUS STARS irrespective of age.
Presentation
Grade Hi-Gloss Mahogany Case
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. They seemed to have lost their way. Shortly thereafter, C. Plath
quit producing sextants. The parent company has completely liquidated everything including machinery, equipment and spare parts.
C. PLATH NAVISTAR CLASSIC FINAL VARIATION – SPECIFICATIONS:
Measuring range -5 to 125 degrees
Tested accuracy 10 arc seconds
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 arm measures 8 15/16”
Index Mirror: 60 x 44.5 mm. aluminized on front side.
Horizon Mirror: 57mm diameter whole horizon
view
Shades:
3 for index mirror
3 for horizon mirror
Adjustable vernier for zero index error
Illumination:
Yes
Weight sextant: 3.5 lbs, Weight case 10.0 lbs. Total weight 13. 5
INCLUDED ARE:
1 Sextant ladder style frame
1
4 x 40 Star Scope
1 Mirror adjustment tool
1 Brush
1 Deluxe Presentation lacquered sextant case
1. Cleaning cloth
1
Original owner’s manual and certificate
2 Keys
STAR RATING: Thisfine Collector Quality instrument rates 5 PLUS STARS
