Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This a a very rare navigational instrument used on American bombers and fighters during WWII. The data plate on both the sextant itself and the transit chest read:
SEXTANT - BUBBLE TYPE
AN 5854-1
MFG. PART NO. 29710
MFG. SERIAL NO. AF 43-6216
ORDER NO. (535) 43-25877P
BAUSCH & LOMB OPTICAL CO.
ROCHESTER, N.Y., U.S.A
This is an excellent condition World War II sextant manufactured by Bausch & Lomb. Celestial altitudes are measured by reference to an artificial bubble horizon. The bubble is electrically lighted for night use by standard C size batteries. The sextant is very unique in that it has two different optical paths that can be used. In one, the observer looks down into the sextant and sees the reflected image of the star overhead. We suspect this is the mode designed for open cockpits. In the other mode, the observer holds the sextant at arm’s length and sees the bubble reflected on a glass surface as an illuminated ring against the night sky. Readings are taken from a vernier scale.
A nearly identical example can be found in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum at this link.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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