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syd-christine-AT-virtual.net.au wrote-

"I have just purchased an explorers sextant made by Stanley circe 1915 and
now I would like to obtain as m,uch information as possible on their history
and usage."

Warning by George.-

Great care has to be taken when acquiring a sextant; that it is a real
instrument that was intended for navigation, and not a modern
"reproduction", intended for display and decoration.

This is particularly true of sextants labelled "Stanley", or "Stanley of
London". "Reproduction" sextants with such labels are made in large
quantities in the East, imported, and sold. I am thinking particularly of an
American firm which has labelled itself "Stanley of London", and another,
Grace, in Maine, that advertises what it calls a Stanley explorer sextant,
carrying a date 1878. These firms do include the word "reproduction", in
rather small print, in their advertising, but when these instruments get
resold, any such designation is likely to be lost. I am not saying that
genuine Stanley sextants don't exist, just that their numbers are swamped by
the fakes.

If we are sent details, including pictures, of the instrument that's been
acquired, several members of this list will be able to offer an informed
opinion about whether it's genuine, or not. I suggest this is what our new
poster, presumably Syd, first needs. If it isn't, then he would be wasting
his time learning to use it for navigation, though it might look nice on his
mantelpiece...

George.

contact George Huxtable, at  george@hux.me.uk
or at +44 1865 820222 (from UK, 01865 820222)
or at 1 Sandy Lane, Southmoor, Abingdon, Oxon OX13 5HX, UK.
----- Original Message -----
From: 
To: 
Sent: Saturday, November 28, 2009 5:55 AM
Subject: [NavList 10831] Re: Sextant Manufacturers


Dan Alllen, I have just purchased an explorers sextant made by Stanley circe
1915 and now I would like to obtain as m,uch information as possible on
their history and usage. I am 76 live by the sea and have the time and the
locality to learn how to use one. Originally i collected marine
chronometers, but with one of these plus a prismatic compass of the same era
there is a whole new world of enquiry open to me. I can navigate and use a
prismatic compass which I had for trips into our " outback " and desert
areas; probably of more use today than a GPS in those areas.
Is it possible to obtain an instruction manual for one of these sextants,
and where would I start? I look forward to hearing from you..   Regards  Syd
Garvey.
I hasten to add I live in Victoria Australia, whether or not it is relevant
I don't know.
 Some more makers: Elliott Bros London circa 19th Cent, Negretti & Zambra
19th C,
think they equipped Darwins Beagle voyage; Newman and Gaurdia London similar
vintage, and finally Hall Bros London similar vintage. Searching for my
sextant brought up these names. Initially I wanted one built by Negretti and
Zambra, I think specific makers take time to locate. It has been a long ps.
-------------------------------------------------------
[Sent from archive by: syd-christine-AT-virtual.net.au]

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