This sextant deviates from all other designs in that it is a micrometer with a dial. It is a 'geared' sextant like a drum sextant (and instead of the vernier sextant). It has a toothed rim but rather than a drum which makes a single revolution for each tooth, this sextant has a dial which rotates ones for every 5 teeth. Rather than a large worm wheel there is a very small worm wheel driving the gear that rotates the pointer on the dial. As a consequence there is no true quick release mechanism; the gear is set free but still engaged when the limb is moved along the index.

The provenance of the instrument is unknown but this type was used by the Kaiserliche Marine. Another example found on the internet was used in a Zeppelin and one in a submarine. The metal box has the number M200 stamped on it, the certificate in the box is also for M200. However, the brass plate normally attached to the handle is missing (although the circular spot is there). H. Haecke traded in Neukolln (near Berlin) from 1905 - 1914, dating the sextant to before the WOI.

The sextant was in a terrible state but using a donor instrument was restored to full glory. What can be seen, striked out on the box is a former owners name, H. van de Veen. It is unclear if there were telescopes with the instrument; the box has room for them but a pinhole sight is also fitted. The other submarine example does not seem to have a telescope either, but the zeppelin version has both a single telescope as well as a pair of binoculars. There is space in the box for both, however the binoculars would not have been very useful on a submarine.

Other collections:

The Mariners museum