1944 British Heath & Co. Hezzanith Sextant, Class A, In Its Original Case – No. M992

A remarkable British marine sextant manufactured by Heath & Co. in New Eltham, London. This “Hezzanith” vernier sextant, bearing serial number M992, is preserved in its original mahogany case, complete with accessories, a key, and a certificate from the National Physical Laboratory.

The certificate of origin, attached to the inside of the lid, indicates that the sextant was officially inspected at the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington on October 31, 1944. It was certified as a Class A instrument.

The certificate specifies that the vernier allows for a reading of 0.2 arcminutes, or 12 arcseconds. For all points tested between 15 and 120 degrees, the indicated correction is 0.0. It also confirms that, at the time of testing, the filters, mirrors, and lenses were in good condition and that the overall quality of workmanship was satisfactory.

The sextant features an openwork brass mount with three rings, retaining its original black finish, a wooden handle, a silver-plated graduated scale, several movable filters, mirrors, a reading magnifier, and the patented Heath & Co. mechanism bearing the inscription:

“ HEZZANITH”
ENDLESS TANGENT SCREW
AUTOMATIC CLAMP
PATENT

The set includes two interchangeable lenses as well as several optical accessories. The small telescope can be removed from the sextant and stored in the circular compartment provided for this purpose in the case. The instrument appears to have retained its main original accessories.

The mahogany case features straight-tail joints, brass fittings, latch hooks, a carrying handle, and its original key. The certificate dated from World War II lends this instrument a particularly interesting historical and technical provenance.

Although manufactured and inspected in Great Britain during World War II, no military markings, broad arrows, or Royal Navy property stamps have been found. It is therefore offered as a British maritime navigation instrument and not as a sextant specifically assigned to the Royal Navy.

Condition:

The sextant is in good vintage condition, with normal signs of age and professional use. The black finish shows some wear. The silver-plated ring shows oxidation, surface discoloration, and several areas of wear.

The wooden case shows scratches, marks, and general wear consistent with its age. The main components and accessories visible in the photographs are included.

The adjustment mechanism is functional, but the sextant has not been recently calibrated or inspected by a professional for navigational use. It is offered as a scientific and maritime collector’s item. Please study the detailed photographs carefully; they are an integral part of the description.

Dimensions of the closed case:

Width: 28 cm
Depth: 26.8 cm
Height: 12.5 cm

Manufacturer: Heath & Co.
Model: Hezzanith
Place of manufacture: New Eltham, London, England
Serial number: M992
Type: vernier sextant with endless tangent screw and automatic locking mechanism
NPL calibration date: October 31, 1944
Classification: Class A
Case: original mahogany case with key
Period: World War II

A particularly decorative and historically interesting British precision instrument, intended for collectors of maritime antiques, scientific instruments, and World War II navigation equipment.

Thank you for visiting.

Best regards,
Ben