Dating to the post WW1 era, this brass box sextant is signed STANLEY LONDON on the face above the silvered vernier scale. William Ford Stanley was a mathematical instrument maker who set up in business in the 1850's, and although the name Stanley has been widely copied by makers of reproduction instruments, please rest assured that this is a genuine Stanley piece! This particular model is designed for readings to be taken through a 2 stage sliding brass pinhole shutter which incorporates a red filter on the last stage, eliminating the need for separate filter arms, as is more commonly found.
The outer cover is of the bayonet fixing type, and serves also as a base for the top section. Constructed of brass with a black anodised finish, it has a silvered (0 - 130 degrees) vernier scale with lacquered brass fitments and mirrors, all in good condition.A substantial instrument in full working order, it measures 75mm diameter x 40mm closed depth and weighs 560 grams in its leather case, which has had some past repairs but is still sound. Please study the photos as they are part of the description, and I will be happy to answer any questions if I can. Please check out my other auctions for more interesting items.