Original WWII Imperial Japanese Navy Type 96 Naval Sextant in Wood Case Captured by American Officer with Inscription on Strap - Dated December 1944

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice WWII Imperial Japanese Navy Type 96 Naval Sextant, in its original case with The data plate gives the serial number 477, as well as an issue date of 昭 和 19 年 12 月 - Showa 19 (1944) 12th Month (December).

Sextants were used on ships for celestial navigation, as well as other angular sighting needs. They were a tried and true method of navigation that had been used for centuries. By WWII Sextants were quite modern in design, with attached handles, lights, sun filters, and other accessories. However the basic design remained unchanged.

The sextant is in excellent condition and appears to be fully operational with clear optics, multiple colored filters and functional adjustments. It has an integral bakelite battery compartment / handle that also can plug into the electrical system of the ship, though the cord appears to be absent.  It has a standard sighting telescope which mounts into a dovetail on the sextant. This is really a high quality piece of workmanship.

The wooden transit case measures 11 ½” x 11” x 6 3/4, and is in very good condition. The carrying strap is inscribed: 194757 LT. COM. F.M. MYERS 194757. This is the American Naval officer who captured this sextant, likely off of a Japanese ship he boarded. We couldn’t identify Myers, but there is more research to be done.

A great piece of Navigational Equipment, dating from WWII. Ready to display!