Lot 555 A RARE OTTOMAN NAVAL SEXTANT, 19TH CENTURY

An exquisite instrument, employed by sailors to navigate the open seas, measuring angles to celestial bodies to determine their position. Crafted from bronze, it features inscriptions of numbers and degrees in Ottoman script.

Measuring 12 by 12 cm, this well-preserved sextant remains in good condition. It consists of a circular arc meticulously graduated in degrees, complemented by a movable radial arm pivoted at its center. By measuring the angle between the horizon and celestial bodies such as the Sun, Moon, or stars, it served as a vital tool for determining latitude and longitude during celestial navigation.