NavList:

I have just posted an image of an unusual Tamaya Sextant with a Coutinho style AH. The date on the box/papers is 10/18, 1943 and serial number is 564. Interestingly, the AH appears to be an integral part of the sextant and not an add-on, as among other things, the frame was designed to allow for an illuminating light and the arc was shortened to allow for the light.

Amazingly, there is still a bubble in the level in the AH, though the two spare levels in the box are dry. I plan to try some sights this weekend when I get a free moment to see how it performs. Other than a sticky spring on the arm (old grease), the sextant looks unused. It still has all the accessories -- two additional scopes, a couple of spare bulbs, brush, adjustment wrench, it even still has what appear to be the original batteries in two wooden compartments in the box. They look quite dead but they made better batteries back then -- no acid leakage. The only missing pieces are the key and, perhaps one of two screw-in solar filters.

And this is my first encounter with a Coutinho-style AH. Interestingly, is has a set of half-moon shaped mirrors to allow for horizon shots. I am thus guessing that this was intended for marine use, not aircraft.

I would love to know if anyone has encountered one of these models before. In the meantime, I am pursuing some leads in Japan in hopes of learning more, and will share what I learn.

best
-p

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