1941 HUSUN Sextant by H. Hughes & Son, London.
A 1941 HUSUN sextant by H. Hughes & Son Ltd of London, dating from the Second World War and accompanied by its original fitted wooden case, original HUSUN maker's certificate and a selection of accessories including the original key and working lock.
This is a fascinating example of a British precision navigational instrument from the wartime period and would make an excellent addition to a collection of nautical instruments, scientific instruments, maritime history or Second World War memorabilia.
The sextant is beautifully constructed with a substantial black-finished metal frame, polished brass fittings and a finely graduated brass arc. The arc is signed:
H. HUGHES & SON LTD LONDON.
The instrument is also marked HUSUN, the trade name used by H. Hughes & Son for many of their precision navigational instruments.
One of the particularly appealing features of this sextant is the original HUSUN examination certificate preserved inside the lid of the case. The certificate identifies the sextant and records its examination and adjustments. Most importantly, it is dated 1941, firmly establishing the instrument within the wartime period.
Made in London in 1941, this sextant belongs to an important period in the history of navigation.
Precision sextants were essential instruments for determining position at sea before the widespread adoption of modern electronic navigation. During the Second World War, accurate navigational instruments were particularly important to Britain's merchant shipping and naval forces.
The sextant is housed in its original wooden fitted case, lined in dark green material and fitted with compartments to accommodate the instrument and its accessories, please note a crack across the lid although the case is structurally sound.
The set includes the sextant together with the original telescopic fittings and other accessories visible in the photographs.
Maker – H. Hughes & Son
H. Hughes & Son Ltd, London, was one of Britain's important manufacturers of precision scientific and navigational instruments. The company's instruments are highly regarded by collectors for their quality construction and association with the history of British navigation. The HUSUN name became particularly associated with their sextants and other navigational instruments.
Details Maker: H. Hughes & Son Ltd, London
Trade name: HUSUN
Instrument: Sextant
Date: 1941
Radius: 6 inches
Reading: 10 seconds
Case: Original fitted wooden case
Certificate: Original HUSUN examination certificate dated 1941
Accessories: Original telescopes/fittings as photographed
Country: England
Period: Second World War
Condition The sextant is in good original vintage condition, with the expected signs of age and use.
The blackened metal frame and brass components have acquired an attractive patina, while the original case shows some age-related wear consistent with its approximately 85 years of age.
The original certificate is particularly well preserved and remains an important part of the set.
Please examine all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.
The certificate records the instrument's examination in 1941. We have not independently tested or recalibrated the sextant in the present day, and it is therefore offered as a collectible historical navigational instrument rather than as a guaranteed working navigation instrument. The bulb and cable are untested.
The case measures 27.5 x 26 x 14.5cm (10.83" x 10.24" x 5.7").
The picture showing the Sextant in a period setting is included to give context, please be aware that it has been AI generated and so please rely on the actual dimensions given here for accurate sizing; other items that may be shown in the picture are not included in the sale.
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