WWII US Army Air Force A10 Aircraft Sextant -
A sextant is an instrument used to measure the angle between any two visible objects. Its primary use is to determine the angle between a celestial object and the horizon which is known as the altitude. Making this measurement is known as sighting the object, shooting the object, or taking a sight. The angle, and the time when it was measured, can be used to calculate a position line on a nautical or aeronautical chart. A common use of the sextant is to sight the sun at noon to find one's latitude. Since the sextant can be used to measure the angle between any two objects, it can be held horizontally to measure the angle between any two landmarks which will allow for calculation of a position on a chart. A sextant can also be used to measure the Lunar distance between the moon and another celestial object (e.g., star, planet) in order to determine Greenwich time.
The item featured here is a military sextant. As issued during World War two to personnel from the Army Air Force (AAF).
Complete with the issue wooden box, which has multiple compartments to house the different components of the apparatus.
This section of the website provides information that allows you to identify American military field
gear collectibles. The data also includes a price guide to give you an idea of the value of the items.
The inside of the lid of the case has a metal spring that holds a brown paper bag which reads:
Kit-plastic disc for
Fairchild A10 and A10A sextants.
Fairchild camara and instrument corporation
New York, N.Y.
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This page is a recognition and identification guide for WWII US collectibles. Multiple
detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined
points that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my WWII US collectible worth?".
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The sextant is a robust instrument. The main body is made of metal painted black. A lense with a
rubber eyecup are placed in the upper section.
A metal tag is affixed to one side. The tag reads as follows:
Property Air Forces, U.S. Army
Sextant aircraft
Name of article
Type A-10A
W30 053 ac 1470
Serial No 27473
Spec No E320-K1
fairchild camara and instrument corporation
New York, N.Y.
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This WWII US military collectible may be currently
reproduced.
It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because
the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with
the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this item.
Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of
the collectible.
If you have an interest is seeing other WWII US military collectibles, you can do so by
going to our
WWII US Military Collectibles Price Guide.
Where we cover items from the Army, Navy, Army Air Force and other organizations.
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