Name/Title
Japanese Naval SextantEntry/Object ID
1987.073.001Description
-Japanese navy sextant from Japanese naval ship Nagato captured during WWII
serial # RO517155
-Note: black button market "Patent" is latch release for the sextant
-made by Heath & Co. Ltd., England in 1921 and used by Japanese Navy
-donor's husband received bronze star medal in capture of ship NagatoCollection
Instruments CollectionMade/Created
Manufacturer
Heath & Co. Ltd.Date made
1939 - 1945Place
City
London, EnglandCountry
England, United KingdomContinent
EuropeLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Primary Object Term
SextantNomenclature Sub-Class
Navigational EquipmentNomenclature Class
Surveying & Navigational T&ENomenclature Category
Category 05: Tools & Equipment for Science & TechnologySearch Terms
I.J.N.S. NagatoInterpretative Labels
Label
On August 27, 1945, the USS San Diego (CL-53), was the first major allied warship to enter Tokyo Bay. The US cruiser assisted in securing Yokosuka Naval Base and the surrender of the Nagato – the only Japanese battleship to survive World War II. This sextant remains one of a few tangible links to the Nagato – which would eventually be used as a target at Bikini Atoll during Operation Crossroads. The sextant would have been housed in the battleship’s bridge and used for taking observations at sea to determine location.
