Brass sextant with gyroscopic artificial horizon and case.

Made:: 1910-1919 in Paris

maker:: Hurlimann, Ponthus & Therrode

Brass sextant with black lacquered frame, polished brass limb, wooden handle and fitted with gyroscopic artificial horizon invented by French Admiral Fleuriais, and made by Hurlimann, Ponthus and Therrode, Paris, France, 1910-19. Consists of inlaid polished silver 126° scale (-5° to 107°) with 20’ divisions and silver vernier (30”), three index-filter shades (red, green & orange), two horizon filters (orange), scale magnifier on 70mm swivelling arm. Fitted with threaded telescope bracket for sighting telescope (191mm – upright image). Supplied with horizon light, magnifier, adjusting key and other accessories with circular brass box and mahogany case with manuscript instructions. The artificial horizon consists of an airtight housing containing a gyroscope that can be locked with a lever mechanism. The gyroscope has a glass piece through the body, with a series of horizontal lines, and is propelled by an air pump. The air gauge is calibrated from 0 to 76 cm of mercury.

Details

Category:: Astronomy

Object Number:: 1929-444

Materials:: metal and mahogany

type:: sextant, artificial horizon - gyroscopic and instrument case

credit:: British Admiralty (Hydrographic Department)

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Parts

Case for Brass sextant with gyroscopic artificial horizon.

Mahogany case with accesories and key, 11 1/2" x 9 5/8" x 6 3/4" (one catch missing) for sextant with gyroscopic artificial horizon, by Hurlimann; in mahogany case, with key: 11 1/2 x 9 5/8 x 6 3/4 (one catch missing) 5 1/2 inch radius; engraved:- "Hurlimann Ponthus & Therrode succrs a'Paris (2976", M.S. list of corrections inside lid of case; accessories:- 3 steel pirots in brass case; small electric lamp in tube; small box-key; brass-piece (screwdriver); pocket magnifier; mirror hinged to brass adapter tube; 2 small brass L-pieces; telescope; spring wire forceps; small steel screw; wooden piece with brass arm

Materials:: metal (unknown) and mahogany (wood)

Object Number:: 1929-444/2

type:: instrument case

Brass sextant with gyroscopic artificial horizon.

Sextant with gyroscopic artificial horizon, by Hurlimann; 5 1/2 inch radius; engraved:- "Hurlimann Ponthus & Therrode succrs a'Paris (2976", M.S. list of corrections inside lid of case; accessories:- 3 steel pirots in brass case; small electric lamp in tube; small box-key; brass-piece (screwdriver); pocket magnifier; mirror hinged to brass adapter tube; 2 small brass L-pieces; telescope; spring wire forceps; small steel screw; wooden piece with brass arm