German Imperial Navy Sextant By H. Haecke, Berlin 1900 – Original Case

A rare and authentic small marine sextant manufactured by the renowned nautical instrument maker H. Haecke in Berlin, Germany, circa 1900–1910.

This black-lacquered metal sextant is signed “H. Haecke, Berlin” and bears the serial number 3850. Both the instrument and its original wooden case, assembled with dovetail joints, are marked with an imperial crown above the inscription “M 809.” This is the official ownership and inventory marking of the Kaiserliche Marine, confirming its use by the Imperial German Navy prior to 1918.

The instrument features a clear, finely engraved scale, likely made of bone, as well as its mirrors, movable colored solar filters, index arm, and fine-adjustment mechanism.

The sextant is currently equipped with a simple black sighting device or diopter. The separate optical telescope and any removable accessories are no longer present. Its navigational accuracy has not been tested. It is offered as a historical collector’s item.

The underside of the handle bears an old owner’s inscription, later engraved by hand: “W. M. Manson, Wick,” possibly referring to a later British owner.

The sextant and its case show authentic signs of age and use, including wear, scratches, and chips in the black lacquer. Please examine the detailed photographs carefully. The presence of the same Imperial Navy inventory number on both the instrument and its case makes this set particularly interesting and historically significant.

Manufacturer: H. Haecke, Berlin
Manufacturer’s number: 3850
Navy inventory number: crown / M 809
Origin: Germany
Period: circa 1900–1910
Materials: black-lacquered metal, glass, bone or similar material for the graduated scale, and wood

Dimensions of the wooden case:
Width: 18.5 cm / 7.28 inches
Depth: 16.2 cm / 6.38 inches
Height: 11 cm / 4.33 inches

A fascinating original navigational instrument intended for collectors of maritime antiques, scientific instruments, items from the Kaiserliche Marine, and historical memorabilia from the Imperial German Navy.

Thank you for visiting.

Best regards,
Ben

Keywords: H. Haecke Berlin sextant, Kaiserliche Marine, Imperial German Navy, M 809, antique marine sextant, nautical instrument, maritime navigation, scientific instrument, German militaria