Veteran Bring Back Japanese Type 96 Sextant

Veteran Bring Back Japanese Type 96 Sextant-This is a very nice WWII Japanese Navy Type 96 Naval Sextant, known in Japanese as the九六式六分儀改一(Kyū-Roku-shiki Rokubungi Kai-Ichi or 9 6 Type Sextant Revision 1), which is marked on the side of the wooden case's metal data plate. The date plate also gives serial number 2179, as well as an issue date of Showa 18 (1943) 11th Month (November). This was made or distributed by the Tamaya Shoten Co. Interesting that Tamaya Shoten was one of the first Japanese companies to import surveying equipment from overseas and to distribute them in Japan. Sextants were used on ships for celestial navigation, as well as other angular sighting needs. They were a tried and true method of navigation that had been used for centuries. By WWII Sextants were quite modern in design, with attached handles, lights, sun filters, and other accessories. However, the basic design remained unchanged. The sextant is in excellent condition and appears to be fully operational with clear optics, multiple colored filters and functional adjustments. It has an integral bakelite battery compartment / handle that also can plug into the electrical system of the ship with the included cord. It has a standard sighting telescope with two different sliding eyepieces, as well as a longer range prism sight, both of which mount into a dovetail on the sextant. This is really a high quality piece of workmanship. The wooden transit case measures 11 ¾ inches square, and 6 ½ inches tall. It is in very good condition, though there is scuffing throughout. A great piece of Navigational Equipment that would look excellent in your display! Be aware that the top is a bit tough to open.