Vintage WW2 David White Co. U.S. Navy Mark II Sextant 1940 in Wood Box

Produced in 1940 by the David White Company for the U.S. Navy Bureau of Navigation, this Mark II sextant is a documented artifact of World War II maritime history. The instrument retains its original mahogany storage case and a U.S. Naval Observatory inspection certificate dated February 1942, alongside a localized retailer plaque from Northwest Instrument Co. in Seattle. As a primary tool for celestial navigation, the sextant measured the angle between astronomical objects and the horizon, allowing naval navigators to calculate precise latitude and longitude positioning at sea. The combination of the intact inspection record, original housing, and clear manufacturer stamping provides undeniable provenance for this historical nautical instrument.

Specs
Maker/Artist: David White Co.
Year Made: 1940
Materials: Aluminum, Brass, Wood, Glass
Dimensions: 11.25" W x 11.25" D x 5.6" H

Condition
The instrument and case show expected wear commensurate with age and naval field use, including finish loss on the wooden handle, exterior scratches to the box, and heavy foxing on the paper certificate. All core components are present, though mechanical calibration is untested.