Sextant

One "Link Bubble Sextant (Octant)" used for World War II aircraft navigation. The sextant has an aluminum and steel body that has a stippled texture on the exterior surfaces and is painted flat black. It is designed to be held with the left hand with the adjustable leather strap across the back of the hand and the palm and fingers pressed against the sextant body. The sextant includes an eyepiece, objective lens, adjustable index mirror and two sun shades (green glass), altitude scale (0° to 90°) with a vernier scale and a large adjusting drum/knob to read degrees and minutes, a light assembly with batteries, and a bubble assembly for horizontal reference. Two metal tags on the side of the sextant have engraved text that reads "Patents Pending, United States, Great Britain, Canada," and "Army Air Force Sextant (Bubble), Type A-12, Serial AC42 3112, Order No. W535AC27735, Mfr's Drawing No. 11734, Link Aviation Devices, Binghamton, N.Y., U.S.A."

The sextant, spare parts, and a 42-page handbook are contained in a rigid carrying case that has a hinged lid, two metal latches, one locking spring latch, and carrying handle. A metal tag beside the spring latch has engraved text that reads "Army Air Force Sextant (Bubble), Type A-12, Serial AC42 3112, Order No. W535AC27735, Mfr's Drawing No. 11734, Link Aviation Devices, Binghamton, N.Y., U.S.A." The fitted case has an olive drab cloth covering and the interior is lined with light brown felt.