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Roger Harris wrote:  That looks like a nice little sextant, and as you say it would be a shame for it to end up polished or otherwise reduced to a decorative piece. If it is still available and you would like to pass on Rodney's email address, I will contact him.

I note that there is no provision for illumination, which seems unusual. Was it likely removed at some point during the sextant's prior lifetime, or, as a relatively inexpensive 'Mate' model, was the sextant originally supplied without?

Hi Roger.  Thank you for your interest.  I’d just about given up on that post.  I’ve just rung Rodney, and the sextant is still for sale.  I’ll send you Rodney’s email address and telephone number privately.  He lives in Barton upon Humber U.K. http://www.clapsons.co.uk/ .  You’re correct.  There is no lighting, neither is there a 5x inverting telescope or a blank tube, which were previously supplied with that design when it carried the Huson crest and was finished in black crinkle paint.  I’m guessing, but by 1963 prices were beginning to rise, and the British merchant fleet was beginning to contract, so I suspect the manufacturer was beginning to rationalise the design to keep the costs down but modernise at the same time by using a grey crinkle finish.  The mirrors however, remain small.  Photos on my January 11th post  http://fer3.com/arc/m2.aspx/Good-Kelvin-Hughes-Sextant-For-Sale-UK-DavidPike-jan-2015-g29980  Dave