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there were serious problems with the arc. Although, over most of the arc,
the fine
divisions were clear and sharp, at angles less than 10 degrees, they had
become faint and hard to read. Below 5 degrees, through the
zero-point, to the end of the off-the arc section, there was no trace of any
fine-divisions whatsoever. They had been completely
polished off. That, of course, made it quite unusable as a measuring
instrument, though it would still have some value as an
ornament.

By this time, money had already changed hands, and the seller didn't quibble
at all about making a full refund

My experience shows up the problems that can occur when you buy something as
finicky as a sextant, sight unseen, at auction. Will I
be tempted to try again? Probably, yes. What more can I do to avoid another
disappointment? I have no idea. Perhaps others, with
more experience of these matters, can offer suggestions.


Never, never, ever buy anything from an online auction without seeing a
picture or more of the item. If the picture/s aren't clear enough to show
the detail you want to see contact the vendor for more or better pictures
before you place any bid. And don't bid on anything until your
concerns/curiosity have been assuaged by the vendor.
It's risky enough to buy something online but to bid on and win something
one has never even seen........what's the phrase? Caveat Emptor or some
such.
Luckily, it turned out better for you than does for most in this instance.
A good amount of times in these auctions the vendor hasn't a clue to what is
being offered in his/her auction or doesn't know how to answer a certain
technical question or has no idea of the item's history.
A picture IS worth a thousand words. Especially in an online auction.

   

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