Diamond-frame pattern sextant with case.

Made:
1845-1855 in London
maker:
John James Messer
Diamond-frame pattern sextant

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Diamond-frame pattern sextant
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Brass sextant with polished brass diamond-pattern frame and limb, with wooden handle in fitted mahogany keystone case by John James Messer, London, England, 1845-55. Consists of inlaid polished silver 131° scale (-5° to 145°) with 15’ divisions and silver vernier (15”), four index-filter shades (red & green), three horizon filters (orange), scale magnifier on 90mm swivelling arm. Fitted with threaded telescope bracket for sighting telescopes (84mm – erect image & 146mm – inverted image) and sighting tube (83mm).

Details

Category:
Navigation
Object Number:
1933-12
type:
sextant, instrument case and trade card
credit:
British Astronomical Association

Parts

Diamond-frame pattern sextant.

Diamond-frame pattern sextant.

Brass sextant with polished brass diamond-pattern frame and limb, with wooden handle in fitted mahogany keystone case by John James Messer, London, England, 1845-55. Consists of inlaid polished silver 131° scale (-5° to 145°) with 15’ divisions and silver vernier (15”), four index-filter shades (red & green), three horizon filters (orange), scale magnifier on 90mm swivelling arm. Fitted with thr...

Measurements:
overall: 237 mm x 265 mm x 112 mm, 1.5kg
Materials:
brass (copper, zinc alloy) , silver (metal) , glass , wood (unidentified) and mirror-glass (silvered)
Object Number:
1933-12/1
type:
sextant
James Ripley trade card

James Ripley trade card

Trade card: Ripley's manufactory, No.335 Wapping, London from sextant case by Messer

Object Number:
1933-12/2
type:
trade card
Mahogany keystone box for sextant made by John James Messer

Mahogany keystone box for sextant made by John James Messer

Mahogany keystone box for sextant made by John James Messer, London, about 1850.

Materials:
mahogany (wood)
Object Number:
1933-12/3
type:
instrument case