Bubble sextant
Item
Title
Bubble sextant
Description
AIR MINISTRY BUBBLE SEXTANT MK.IX, REF. NO. 6B/151, SERIAL NUMBER 9130/40. The blackened alloy finish casing, (Ref. No. 6B/151) first model without a clockwork attachment. It appears to be complete and in good working order (there are no batteries in the left handle to check the bulbs used in night observations) with its dials and levers still functioning. The black rubber eyecup over the eyepiece is hardened but still intact. The following is stamped in white on the lower left hand side corner, "A.M. BUBBLE SEXTANT MARK IX 6B/151, Serial No. 9130/40 BRIT PATS. 480112 490621 AND PENDING". Also stamped in white on the upper right is, "No. 9130/40". *SEE NOTES
Identifier
987.105.002
Provenance
Interest in aeronavigational instruments arose with the demonstration of the military potential of aviation during World War I, and built slowly in the 1920s. The introduction of commercial transoceanic flights in the mid-1930s, together with growing international unrest, led to increased attention to this technology. The military services purchased large numbers of these instruments in the early years of World War II, and again during the Cold War, as did commercial airlines in the post war period.
Abstract
Good
Date Created
1940