Antique Angelo Salmoiraghi Sextant. Italy, Circa 1920

Gorgeous antique marine sextant made in Milan, Italy circa 1920. This fine navigation tool is signed by Angelo Salmoiraghi, a relevant engineer and entrepreneur who played an important role in the Milanese society and politics of the time. His company, the Filotecnica-Salmoiraghi, was crucial in the Italian production of optic material, surveying tools and sewing machines during the first half of the 20th century. Salmoiraghi became president of the Chamber of Commerce of Milan and became a Senator in 1912. The sextant that we can see in the photographs is a good example of the great products made by the Italian firm, which stood out for designing and selling accurate and high-quality instruments. The sextant is made of black-painted iron and brass. It preserves all its original component parts and pieces in excellent condition: they move fluidly and make it possible to use the instrument to chart a pathway. At the bottom of the alidade we can see the manufacturers name engraved in golden lettering, together with the instruments serial number: ING. A. SALMOIRAGHI MILANO 8950. On top of the inscription we can see the stylish brand logo, with the initials A.S. into a five-pointed star and a circle. The colored filters, the mirrors and the rest of the mobile component parts of the sextant are perfectly preserved. Together with the instrument there is a complete accessory set: lenses, eyepieces, filters and other items needed to use it. The set can be stored in the original case, an impressive solid-mahogany wooden box with wonderful artisanal dovetail joints. The box is greatly preserved and keeps the embedded brass handle classic of nautical pieces of furniture. At the top there is a metal plate with the inscription FRANCESETTI clearly engraved. For its elegant look, good working order and the prestige of the manufacturer who produce it, this antique and rare marine sextant signed by Angelo Salmoiraghi is a collectors item full of charm and authenticity.