A scarce mid-19th C. miniature sextant by Troughton & Simms, London. This genuine working instrument measures only 5 inches long on the index arm -- about half the size of a conventional sextant. These "mini-sextants" were sometimes presented to aspiring officers for their accomplishments, as in this case. However their diminutive size actually made them "too small" to be handled effectively. As a result, most examples that have survived are in excellent condition, showing little use. (Private Collection. West Sea Co. photo).