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I do not believe that you will find a user's manual specific to a sextant
of this vintage. I was buying and using sextants at and before 1947 and
none came with instructions for use. Any decent navigation manual should
provide all information necessary to its use, correction, and
maintenance. The instrument should, however, have come with a
manufacturer's certificate detailing shade error and centering error,
both of which might be somewhat more difficult for the uninitiated to
determine on his/her own. Such a certificate would have been specific to
the instrument for which intended and not replaceable, except by the
manufacturer if at all.

You probably have, by reputation at least, an excellent instrument. Age
and atmospheric conditions may have affected the mirrors and optics which
may be repaired or replaced, but otherwise, excepting accidental physical
damage, the instrument should clean up quite easily and be entirely
serviceable. Dutton, Bowditch, Mixter, etc., are examples of publications
that will give you all the information you need on use and day to day
correction of the sextant - actually, if your father in law had such a
sextant, he probably also had one of these pubs. Good luck ..

Henry

On Wed, 21 Sep 2005 11:22:49 +0100 Laurie & Inez
 writes:
> I have recently found a 1947 Heath Hezzanith sextant (model S17?),
> complete with all lenses, tools etc in its box amongst my
> father-in-law's effects.
> I am learning astro-nav. and would dearly like to be able to put
> this instrument to good use. Does anyone know where I can get hold
> of a copy of the users handbook?
> Any guidance would be much appreciated.(I have tried the UK Science
> Museum, surprisingly with no success).
>
> Laurie Carmalt

   

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