NavList:
A Community Devoted to the Preservation and Practice of Celestial Navigation and Other Methods of Traditional Wayfinding
Immediat Post War C. Plath Sextant
From: Joel Jacobs
Date: 2005 May 19, 13:40 +0000
From: Joel Jacobs
Date: 2005 May 19, 13:40 +0000
Hi,
I'm looking for information from the C. Plath afficiandos on a very nice sextant made right after WW II. Pictures on this server. GO: http://www.villagephotos.com/pubbrowse.asp?folder_id=1334733
- The major features are a die cast frame and mirror housings made of aluminum. SN 14818
- Frame size is smaller than normal at 7" vertical measurement
- Arc reads from -5 to 137 degrees
- A rising piece with screw adjustment that allows the telescope to move towards and away from the frame by turning a knurled knob.
- Scope = 3.5 X
- Large full size mirrors: 57 mm Horizon, 57 x 41 mm, Index
- Magnificient hardwood varnished case - looks like Mahogany
- Prufungsschein Certificate dated 9 OCT 1946 ( I think this was the predescessor to the Deutsche Hydrographic Institute)
- Casting number on back of frame 179-02-009
There was a brief window after WWII ended in that C. Plath continued to make some sextants in limited numbers. Around 1947, sextant production was termianted by the Brititish, and the firm's equipment was dismantled and moved elsewhere. Plath turned to making typewritters to survive.
Any and all information will be much appreciated.
Joel Jacobs
Visit our website
http://www.landandseacollection.com
http://www.landandseacollection.com