WW1 brass military pocket sextant made by Ryland & Son, London, circa 1915

This rare precision instrument is a fine solid brass pocket sextant made for the military by the high-quality instrument makers Ryland & Son Ltd of London. It dates to the early 20th century, during the First World War, and would have been used to establish location in enemy territory or unknown terrain.

The sextant is a superb and rare piece of historical miniature engineering. It is in fine condition and in good working order.

The elements of this instrument are good. It has clean adjusting mirrors, a telescopic eyepiece, a silvered vernier scale with a hinged adjustable magnifier, and a locking adjustment key that has to be unscrewed, removed, and repositioned to operate the instrument.

The sextant is protected by a heavy brass screw down case. It is signed Ryland & Son Ltd London with the military arrow mark.

The brass case reverses and screws onto the underside and forms the hand grip when in use. 

This brass military pocket sextant from the 1st World War period is a splendid piece of British history.

English, circa 1915

Dimensions of enclosed case:

Height 4cm x width 7.8cm x depth 7.8cm