Sextant - Aluminium - VEB - drum sextant
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Drum sextant made of aluminum, estimated period 1970–1980, produced in the German Democratic Republic by VEB Freiberger Präzisionsmechanik.
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Description from the seller
Drum Sextant by VEB Freiberger (1980) - Carl Zeiss Jena Distribution - Transoceanic History - Certificate No. 802355
Description
Exceptional high-precision maritime drum sextant, manufactured in December 1980 in the former German Democratic Republic (GDR) by the prestigious VEB Freiberger Präzisionsmechanik workshop.
This lot is a true historic piece for collectors. It preserves its original factory documentation: an official "Certificate of Serviceability" issued by CZ Scientific Instruments LTD (Borehamwood, United Kingdom), exclusive distributor of the legendary VEB Carl Zeiss Jena (GDR). The device serial number (802355) exactly matches the certificate, signed and calibrated on 13.12.1980.
History and Context:
This sextant has an authentic seafaring past: it was actively used for astronomical navigation on transoceanic voyages aboard a private 15-meter yacht during the 1980s and 1990s. With the advent and consolidation of GPS technology in the mid-1990s, the instrument was gradually retired from use and has remained stored in its case for about 30 years.
The metal frame features its emblematic original gray finish made from a seawater-resistant aluminum alloy. The zipper and mechanism show slight aesthetic wear marks from use and the passage of time, but the system works and slides superbly and smoothly.
Note on condition: General dust has been wiped, and the superficial frame has been cleaned, but the optics and mirrors have not been manipulated or deeply cleaned to avoid any risk of scratching by the seller, preferring to leave that delicate task to the future buyer. It shows patina and small traces of verdigris (cuppose verdigris) on some superficial screws due to prolonged storage over the three decades, easily remedied.
The lot includes:
• Original Freiberger Gray Sextant No. 802355 (Dimensions: 26x24x13 cm / Weight: 1.4 kg).
• Original certificate of suitability and calibration (13.12.1980) issued by the Carl Zeiss Jena distributor, perfectly legible.
• Mounted main telescope (JENA 4x40 Optics).
• Original spare/additional optics in its compartment.
• Original marine plywood carrying case (Dimensions: 34x32x17 cm / Total weight with contents: 4.5 kg) with some exterior wear due to years of use, but the interior is in very good condition.
Drum Sextant by VEB Freiberger (1980) - Carl Zeiss Jena Distribution - Transoceanic History - Certificate No. 802355
Description
Exceptional high-precision maritime drum sextant, manufactured in December 1980 in the former German Democratic Republic (GDR) by the prestigious VEB Freiberger Präzisionsmechanik workshop.
This lot is a true historic piece for collectors. It preserves its original factory documentation: an official "Certificate of Serviceability" issued by CZ Scientific Instruments LTD (Borehamwood, United Kingdom), exclusive distributor of the legendary VEB Carl Zeiss Jena (GDR). The device serial number (802355) exactly matches the certificate, signed and calibrated on 13.12.1980.
History and Context:
This sextant has an authentic seafaring past: it was actively used for astronomical navigation on transoceanic voyages aboard a private 15-meter yacht during the 1980s and 1990s. With the advent and consolidation of GPS technology in the mid-1990s, the instrument was gradually retired from use and has remained stored in its case for about 30 years.
The metal frame features its emblematic original gray finish made from a seawater-resistant aluminum alloy. The zipper and mechanism show slight aesthetic wear marks from use and the passage of time, but the system works and slides superbly and smoothly.
Note on condition: General dust has been wiped, and the superficial frame has been cleaned, but the optics and mirrors have not been manipulated or deeply cleaned to avoid any risk of scratching by the seller, preferring to leave that delicate task to the future buyer. It shows patina and small traces of verdigris (cuppose verdigris) on some superficial screws due to prolonged storage over the three decades, easily remedied.
The lot includes:
• Original Freiberger Gray Sextant No. 802355 (Dimensions: 26x24x13 cm / Weight: 1.4 kg).
• Original certificate of suitability and calibration (13.12.1980) issued by the Carl Zeiss Jena distributor, perfectly legible.
• Mounted main telescope (JENA 4x40 Optics).
• Original spare/additional optics in its compartment.
• Original marine plywood carrying case (Dimensions: 34x32x17 cm / Total weight with contents: 4.5 kg) with some exterior wear due to years of use, but the interior is in very good condition.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Manufacturer/brand
VEB
Specific region of origin
República Democrática Alemana
Title additional information
drum sextant
Number of objects
1
Country of origin
Germany
Material
Aluminium
Style
Industrial
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
13 cm
Width
26 cm
Depth
24 cm
Weight
1.4 kg
Estimated period
1970-1980
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