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Frank wrote:

Just be
> aware that something like 80% of the "sextants" for sale on  ebay are
> display
> items and reproductions. Some of these look really nice and  even the
> people
> selling them are sometimes unaware that they are not functional
> instruments.
>

Robert comments:

So very true. Generally though, the reproductions are unpainted, raw brass
and therefore easy to spot. Also their very low price is a dead give away.

I strongly suggest that any prospective buyer wishing to purchase a sextant
on e-bay, consult the Nav-L list. Certainly there is enough expertise on
this site to provide sound advice.

Having said that, even the most experienced navigator cannot be 100% sure
that what he is getting, sight unseen, is a quality instrument. Although I
have been sorely tempted to bid on some of the German sextants I've seen on
e-bay, I would much rather purchase a used sextant from a reputable dealer.
Bruce Bauer covers the topic of used sextants quite nicely and also has a
list of dealers in one of the appendices.

   

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