Observator survey sextant 400g
Observator 400g survey sextant
Obtained from the Netherlands
Product details: Observator survey sextant 400g | Observator | Sextant | Survey | Material: Brass
I have two Observator survey sextants, both with a reputable history. This 400g version is complete with all accesoires and even has a set of filters if it is required to do astronomical work. Which, considering it is a 400g and therefore true survey instrument, probably would have never taken place. Where my other instrument must have traveled the world, this one probably never left the Netherlands. Based on the repair certificate this instrument belonged to 'Bitumarin'. More specifically, this instrument seems to have been last used on the 'Oosterscheldekering' or the Eastern Scheldt Storm Surge Barrier, a world famous project.
Inside the box there is a recalibration notification to Bitumarin as well as a printout of control points around the Eastern Scheldt barrier construction area (Schaar, Roompot). Based on that, the instrument was probably used on the 'Jan Heymans' a ship that had placed asphalt under water for protection on earlier projects. For the Oosterscheldekering, the Jan Heijmans was converted to dump gravel on the matresses protecting the bottom against scour. During these works there was an electronic positioning system in place so I'm not sure whether or not this instrument was used as a back-up or a a main means of positioning the vessel. As dumping gravel is not the most accurate of jobs, it is possible it was the primary positioning system on board. Bitumarin as a company no longer exists and is now (again) part of Heijmans which still exist.
More information:
Observator survey 400g
Data sheet
- Year
- 1976
- Serialnumber
- 875034
- Type of use
- Survey
- Material
- Brass
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Observator 400g survey sextant
Obtained from the Netherlands
Product details: Observator survey sextant 400g | Observator | Sextant | Survey | Material: Brass