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U.S. National Bureau of Standards, Circular No. 110, Specifications for
Marine Sextants, 1921:

"These specifications, incorporating standard practice in design and
performance of sextants, are the basis for certificates issued by the
Bureau of Standards..."

"New instruments for which certificates are desired should conform
closely to the specifications. Actual improvements in performance or
design are, however, encouraged. In case any instrument differs in any
way from the specifications, it must be accompanied by a statement as to
exactly in what particulars it differs and why. If its performance tests
are at least as good as the standard, a certificate will be issued and
the points of differences from the standard type noted on the certificate.

"No old sextant will be refused a certificate because of lack of modern
improvements, provided the performance tests show it to be serviceable."

The fee to test and issue a certificate was $5, equivalent to $66 in 2014.

http://books.google.com/books?id=Mhtk7911JZEC&pg=PA1&focus=viewport

   

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