Olde Time Antique Clocks

Description

Nautical Marine Sextant, by H.Hughes of London

A rare nautical sextant by H.Hughes of London numbered 54014. Signed to the radius arc H.Hughes Ltd, London, no. 54014 (made in Great Britain).

This fine instrument retains it’s original mahogany travelling case with inset brass carrying handle and brass hooks. Inside the box the top lid carries the original rating certificate from Henry Hughes and Son bearing the number 54014 and dated 13/1/47.

C.1947.

Henry Hughes was originally a clockmaker who began working for himself in London in 1828. He was a very accomplished maker who made chronometers and supplied them to the admiralty. The company soon enlarged and worked from 59, Fenchurch St, EC3. They made clocks as well as all types of scientific instruments. In 1903 the firm was incorporated as Henry Hughes and Son Ltd. In 1914 they became known also as marine opticians specialising in all instruments and appliances required for the navigation of ships and nautical instrument makers to the admiralty. During World War 1 they developed the first compass for use in aeroplanes. In 1923 the company produced it’s first recording echo sounder. In 1941 the London office was completely destroyed during the ‘Blitz’, following this a collaboration was entered into with Kelvin, Bottomley and Baird also instrument makers. In 1947 the formal amalgamation of Kelvin, Bottomley and Baird and Henry Hughes and Son Ltd to become known as Kelvin and Hughes.