12th Mar, 2025 10:00
The Fine Collectors Sale
WWII, Husun Herny Hughes, Flying Boat 3 1/2 inch Sextant
English, dated 1941, engraved REF No.68/177 and numbered 44368 with trade label to lid for Husun, Henry Hughes & Son Ltd, finished in black crackle paint in polished fitted case
Footnote: Henry Hughes Nautical Sextant, model 6B/177, is a fascinating artefact that bridges the worlds of maritime and aviation history. Built by London-based firm Henry Hughes & Son, this sextant is a remarkable example of technological ingenuity from the Second World War.
This particular model was specifically designed for use aboard the Sunderland flying boats, these aircraft that played a vital role in the Allies' fight against German U-boats. The Sunderland was a four-engine flying boat renowned for its endurance and versatility, patrolling vast stretches of ocean. For such missions, precise navigation was absolutely critical, and the Hughes 6B/177 sextant was a key tool to ensure that.
Interestingly, this instrument holds the distinction of being the only marine sextant adapted for use in the air. It was specially built to maintain the high level of accuracy required for the Sunderland's long reconnaissance flights.
However, there’s a twist to its story. Despite its innovative design, it seems the sextant was rarely, if ever, used during actual flights. Marine sextants, while excellent on calm waters, struggled to perform effectively in the dynamic and often turbulent conditions of the air. Instead, flight crews relied on the bubble sextant, which was far better suited to the challenges of aerial navigation.
That said, the Henry Hughes sextant wasn’t without its purpose. When the Sunderland flying boats landed on the water, the sextant came into its own. Stationary on the ocean’s surface, it was used for traditional navigation.
Sold for £212
Result including buyers premium
English, dated 1941, engraved REF No.68/177 and numbered 44368 with trade label to lid for Husun, Henry Hughes & Son Ltd, finished in black crackle paint in polished fitted case
Footnote: Henry Hughes Nautical Sextant, model 6B/177, is a fascinating artefact that bridges the worlds of maritime and aviation history. Built by London-based firm Henry Hughes & Son, this sextant is a remarkable example of technological ingenuity from the Second World War.
This particular model was specifically designed for use aboard the Sunderland flying boats, these aircraft that played a vital role in the Allies' fight against German U-boats. The Sunderland was a four-engine flying boat renowned for its endurance and versatility, patrolling vast stretches of ocean. For such missions, precise navigation was absolutely critical, and the Hughes 6B/177 sextant was a key tool to ensure that.
Interestingly, this instrument holds the distinction of being the only marine sextant adapted for use in the air. It was specially built to maintain the high level of accuracy required for the Sunderland's long reconnaissance flights.
However, there’s a twist to its story. Despite its innovative design, it seems the sextant was rarely, if ever, used during actual flights. Marine sextants, while excellent on calm waters, struggled to perform effectively in the dynamic and often turbulent conditions of the air. Instead, flight crews relied on the bubble sextant, which was far better suited to the challenges of aerial navigation.
That said, the Henry Hughes sextant wasn’t without its purpose. When the Sunderland flying boats landed on the water, the sextant came into its own. Stationary on the ocean’s surface, it was used for traditional navigation.
Auction: The Fine Collectors Sale, 12th Mar, 2025
