Build your own sextant, an historical sailing instrument who has allowed the navigation of the seas for centuries, before even the compass was widely used!

This sturdy kit with two unbreakable stainless steel mirrors and a sun filter to measure angles thanks to the Sun. This sextant is not a toy but a fully functional instrument with an accuracy of 5-10 arc minutes!

Content: Pre-punched cardboard printed sheets, two stainless steel mirrors, a solar filter, and detailed instructions.

Dimensions: 20cm wide and 23cm high

More than 50,000 copies sold!

Construction time: approx. 5 hours

Made in Germany

Needed for assembly:

• a firm and flat working surface, is a cutting mat
• a craft knife or a scalpel
• a good solvent-based universal glue
• fine sandpaper
• Some alcohol to clean the mirrors
• a laundry peg
• a thin black waterproof marker pen

Revolution of navigation

Until the introduction of satellite-based systems (GPS), the most important method for determining location on the high seas was to measure the height of the star above the horizon or the distance between stars as accurately as possible. After the quadrant and astrolabe, Jacob’s Staff and magnetic compass, a new era in astro-navigation began with the invention of the first reflecting sextant. This instrument revolutionized navigation because from this point onwards it was possible to measure the height of the sun, for example, with unsurpassed accuracy and speed.

How it works

The principle is brilliant and at the same time amazingly simple: a rotating mirror makes it possible to align an image of the point to be measured with the horizon or another reference point and to read off the angle on a scale.

Supervision by adults:
Children under the age of 14 should use the kit under adult supervision to avoid risks due to improper handling of glue or sharp tools.

Take care with small parts:
Choking hazard! Keep small parts out of the reach of small children.

Risk of injury:
Take particular care when handling pointed and sharp parts! Use sharp tools with care and take suitable safety measures to avoid injury if necessary.

Use of adhesives:
Follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions when using adhesives. Work in well-ventilated areas and avoid skin or eye contact.