8 inch Marine Captain Sextant Antique Reproduction, Brass Nautical Sextant. A sextant is an instrument used to measure the angle between any two visible objects. Its primary use is to determine the angle between a celestial object and the horizon which is known as the altitude. Making this measurement is known as sighting the object, shooting the object, or taking a sight. The angle, and the time when it was measured, can be used to calculate a position line on a nautical or aeronautical chart. A common use of the sextant is to sight the sun at noon to find one's latitude. This Is Antique Reproduction Solid brass Sextant, can be used for basic observation or suitable for collectors and can be a gift for someone Size:- Approx. 19.5cm - L x 21.5cm - W x 11cm - H (Sextant) 22cm - L x 22cm - W x 13cm - H (Box). This beautifully designed classic brass functional sextant is no less than a piece of art. It enhances your personal vintage, nautical collection. It can be an educational artefact for kids of any age group. It is ideal home décor for adventure, maritime, hiking outdoor enthusiasts and nautical lovers. This working sextant instrument is a memorable gift for birthdays, anniversaries, valentine's day, housewarming party, promotion ceremony, baptism, graduation ceremonies, Thanksgiving, Christmas, friendship's day, Easter, engagements, weddings, and corporate functions.