English Sextant Hezzanith, 1944

Amazing English Hezzanith sextant made in 1944 by Heath & Co. (New Eltham, London). This is an accurate item that keeps all its original components and pieces, and can be used just like when it was made. The sextant comes in its original case, made of wonderful solid mahogany wood. The sextants base and the compartments are also made of the same noble wood. Both the article and the case are very well preserved, showing only slight signs of the trace of time and use. The sextant is in great working order and is as elegant as the first day of use.Inside the boxs lid there is a printed label, whose elegant text certifies that the sextant is Hezzanith brand, a real classic in the field of nautical instruments. The trademark was adopted by Heath & Co., a Londoner firm that started making nautical instruments in 1835 and was still in business in the 1960s. The firm was granted a patent for its automatic clamp in 1910, something that we can read in an embossed metal plate screwed to the sextants iron frame: HEZZANITH ENDLESS TANGENT SCREW AUTOMATIC CLAMP PATENT.The inner label provides us with more information about this instrument; i.e. its serial number (M5521), the telescope magnification number (3) and the date of making: August 22nd, 1944, during World War II. The sextants frame is made of black cast iron and has a series of glass filters, square and circular. The filters and the horizon mirrors are original and have survived to our days in perfect condition. The telescope itself is made of brass and keeps the original lens; it can be divided in two parts in order to be stored into the case. The mahogany box has the original lock and key, handle and shutting hooks, all of them made of iron.This beautiful Hezzanith sextant preserves all the charm typical of vintage nautical instruments. Its great working order and elegant mahogany case turn it into a very special piece.