A-12 (LINK) SEXTANT

A pre World War II sextant manufactured by the Link Aviation Co. It was used by the military and airlines until sometime in the 1940’s, and was the last of a line of aircraft sextants whose design was influnced by use in open cockpit airplanes.

Celestial altitudes are measured by reference to an artificial bubble horizon. The bubble is electrically lighted for night use by standard  C size batteries. The sextant is very unique in that it has two different optical paths that can be used. In one, the observer looks down into the sextant and sees the reflected image of the star overhead. We suspect this is the mode designed for open cockpits. In the other mode, the observer holds the sextant at arm’s length and sees the bubble reflected on a glass surface as an illuminated ring against the night sky. Readings are taken from a vernier scale.

The sextant comes in freshly overhauled condition in a compact case with calibration report and complete instructions. The sextant is becoming quite rare, and its price reflects some antique and World War II memorabilia value.

The sextant carries a limited warranty for a period of one year from date of purchase.