Vintage E. A. Kutz Cased Sextant, 19th Century
Presented is an American nautical sextant, dating to the mid-19th century. The wood, brass, and ivory sextant was made by Erasmus A. Kutz in New York. The sextant has a wooden body with a brass index arm and a graduated ivory arc, numbered every 5 degrees. The sextant has 3 total index shade glasses, a horizon and an index mirror. An ivory label, “E.A. KUTZ NEW YORK,” is embedded in the sextant frame.
The sextant comes in the original wooden presentation box. The box is wedge shaped and retains the original retailer’s label, “Robert King, Nautical Instrument Maker” pasted to the bottom of the case.
The first version of the sextant was introduced in the 1730s by John Hadley and Thomas Godfrey. The sextant became a hugely important tool during exploratory voyages of the 18th century as mariners were able to more accurately pinpoint their position and distance from their destination. The sextant is an instrument that uses reflecting mirrors to determine the distance between a celestial object and the horizon, in order to calculate the latitudinal position of the vessel. The object could be a sun, moon, planet, or a star.
Erasmus A. Kutz was an English immigrant to the United States who manufactured mathematical and nautical instruments. He was born in England in 1778 and came to New York in 1812. He is first listed in New York City directories starting in 1818 as a “rule maker” at “343 Water St.” From 1842-1850, he is listed as a “nautical and mathematical instrument maker” at “180 Water, Newark.”
CONDITION:
Very good condition, overall. Wooden and brass sextant, and ivory inlays. Minor toning on ivory arc, small dents, wear to the finish of the wood sextant body. Ivory label “E.A. KUTZ NEW YORK” in the sextant frame. Brass arm with light tarnish. Three index shade glasses, in blue, red, and green glass, all intact but with light corrosion where glass meets the brass. Horizon and index mirrors are not cracked or scratched.
In the original wedge-shaped wooden case, with a hinged lid. Box with surface wear, dents and scratches to outside finish and corner wear. An original retailer’s label “Robert King, Nautical Instrument Maker” is affixed to the bottom of the wooden case.
Dimensions: Sextant: 3 3/4" H x 12" W x 9 3/4" D. Case: 4" H x 12 3/4" W x 11 3/4" D.
Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.
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Vintage E. A. Kutz Cased Sextant, 19th Century
Colorado
1 Lake Avenue
Colorado Springs CO 80906
United States
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