{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-kriegsmarine-c-plath-hamburg-sextant-with-matching-wooden-case-1944-inspection-sheet","title":"Original German WWII Kriegsmarine C. Plath Hamburg Sextant with Matching Wooden Case \u0026 1944 Inspection Sheet","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very good original German WWII Kriegsmarine marine sextant manufactured by C. Plath of Hamburg, complete with its matching wooden carrying case, dated inspection or calibration sheet, spare optical components, and adjustment tool. The sextant bears factory serial number 16798 on the graduated arc, matching the number on the January 15, 1944 inspection sheet. The index arm separately carries the Kriegsmarine eagle over M property marking and naval issue number 843, giving the set an unusually complete combination of factory and military identification.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eC. Plath of Hamburg was one of Germany’s most important manufacturers of precision marine navigational instruments. Carl Plath acquired David Filby’s Hamburg nautical-instrument business in 1862 and subsequently concentrated on the manufacture of sextants, compasses, binnacles, barometers, and related equipment. The company continued to manufacture marine instruments through both world wars and resumed substantial postwar production in Hamburg.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA sextant is a double-reflection navigational instrument used to measure the angular separation between two visible objects, most importantly the altitude of a celestial body above the horizon. When combined with an accurate time reference, nautical tables, and charts, these observations allowed a navigator to calculate latitude and, through more involved celestial-navigation procedures, determine a vessel’s position at sea. The name derives from the instrument’s graduated arc, traditionally encompassing approximately one-sixth of a complete circle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sextant retains its major components including the frame, mirrors, micrometer assembly, monocular and scope that are intact and functional. It also comes in the correct carry case, measuring 12 ½ x 12 3\/8 x 6 ¾”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe inside of the case retains a maker’s data plate for \u003cb\u003eC. Plath \u003c\/b\u003eof \u003cb\u003eHamburg\u003c\/b\u003e. There is a data sheet on the interior, likely for inspection, dated at the bottom \u003cb\u003eJanuary 15th, 1944\u003c\/b\u003e. The data sheet shows the serial number as \u003cb\u003e16798\u003c\/b\u003e, matching to the sextant which is marked on the arc with the same serial number.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 120” arc is an alloy set with white highlighted graduations on the surface, and the rest of the markings are similarly highlighted from the factory. The center of the arm has the Kriegsmarine navy \u003cb\u003e\"Eagle \/ M\"\u003c\/b\u003e proof, over the serial number and maker information:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e(EAGLE)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eM\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e843\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eC. Plath\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eHamburg\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e843 \u003c\/b\u003eis the Kriegsmarine property number, and the number \u003cb\u003e16798 \u003c\/b\u003eis stamped on the arc. Index mirror, circular split horizon mirror, four index shades and the three horizon shades are dusty but in fine condition. The finish of the sextant is heavily worn with some corrosion present. The bottom bakelite handle is in great shape, and properly maker marked. The case retains both latches but has very heavy wear across. There are a couple of spare lenses inside, but they are worn. There is also a small tool likely for taking it apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a particularly strong surviving Kriegsmarine navigation set because the C. Plath factory serial 16798 appears on the sextant and dated inspection sheet, while the separate eagle-over-M \/ 843 marking records its Kriegsmarine property identity. The matching wooden case, maker-marked Bakelite handle, complete shade arrangement, spare optical pieces, and adjustment tool add considerably to the completeness of the grouping. Heavy finish wear, scattered corrosion, dusty optics, and substantial wear to the case are the principal condition considerations, while the matching serial numbers and January 1944 documentation provide the set with unusually strong internal provenance.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45555812139077,"sku":"ONSV26KCD044","price":1295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/CCB24246-B7ED-44E3-AF6E-AB9416358785.jpg?v=1786735639","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-kriegsmarine-c-plath-hamburg-sextant-with-matching-wooden-case-1944-inspection-sheet","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}