Antique box sextant, the top plate with maker’s signature and address, silvered scale from 0 degrees to 160 degrees, vernier to 30 arc minutes, milled knobs to mirror vernier and shipped mirror adjustment tool, arm mounted scale magnifier. Pin hole sight to blind, red and green shades with activation port and dust guard to rear. Mirror azimuth and declination adjustment squares. Threaded drum cover/handle.

The whole box sextant contained within its original red velvet-lined leather case with some wear, good colour and patination, the straps worn in places but sound. The case engraved: Mr T Dunlop, CE, from JS, 1879.

These box sextants are hard to find and the earlier lacquered patterns are rare. This one is in fine condition retaining much of the original lacquered finish with wear to outside of cover/handle, minor point losses generally across the instrument. The mirror bright with no perceptible signs of deterioration, the shades in similar condition.

Mechanically the instrument functions perfectly. A crisp example of this much sought after instrument.

Gardner & Co, a partnership between T.R. and William Gardner, are recorded in Banfield, Edwin, Barometer Makers & Retailers 1660-1900, as working from 53 Buchanan Street, Glasgow between 1860-1882.

Dimensions: 3” diameter x 1½” deep

Stock No: SX0834

Price: SOLD