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Ball Recording Sextant

Catalogue number:
AF*59059-N

Inscriptions:
"U.S. NAVY, BU. NAV. MARK II N 5395-1943 David White Co. Milwaukee, Wis."

Discussion:
This is a standard Mark II marine sextant with a micrometer and a rapid release lever. The artificial horizon in the handle consists of a bunch of small steel balls that can drop down a cylinder, leaving marks on an inked cloth at the bottom. The form was designed by Fred A. Hagger of San Antonio, Texas, and used by the U.S. Navy during World War II. P. V. H. Weems donated this example to the Smithsonian in 1963.

Ref: Peter Ifland, Taking the Stars (Newport News, 1998), pp. 118-120.

Further Information:

White, D.
Sextant