Antique Hezzanith Marine Sextant. London, Circa 1950

Fine antique Hezzanith marine sextant made in London by Heath & Co in the mid 20th century (circa 1950). The sextant is complete and preserves all its original component parts, lenses and filters. The whole set comes in the original wooden case. The sextant mounts a black-enameled cast-iron frame and brass pieces including the graduated arc, the screws and the lens. At the bottom of the iron frame, just beside the clam used to fix the sextant we can see a plate with the printed HEZZANITH brand name and a small description of the instrument. The plate is very well preserved; the inscription is complete and perfectly readable. The graduated arc located near it bears the engraved manufacturers name and address: HEATH & CO. - NEW ELTHAM - LONDON S.E.9. The sextant also mounts a wooden piece attached to its back; this piece makes it possible to keep it straight up. The storing case is complete and preserves the original lock and key in working order. It shows lovely artisanal dovetail joints and keeps the original handle and shutting hooks. This antique marine sextant is bound to become part of a good collection of marine antiques, where it will shine for its personality. Measurements: Width: 9.4 in / 24 cm. Height: 8.2 in / 21 cm.Heath & Co. History Heath & Co., the scientific instrument manufacturing company, was founded in London by Thomas Heath in 1720. The workshop was located on the Strand in London their instruments were renowned for their high quality, a feature that was maintained for more than two centuries. Many of their workers would start their own instrument-manufacturing business later, such as Adams, Troughton or Watkins. In 1845 Thomas Heath II succeeded his father and changed the firms name for Heath & Co.; the firm kept on for decades and was active until the mid 20th century. Their three-ring-frame Hezzanith sextant was probably the most popular ever produced; Heath made thousands of units.