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Auction: 19003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 593

The Great War brass Sextant used by Admiral Sir John A. S. Eccles, G.C.B., K.C.V.O., C.B.E., R.N., Commander-in-Chief, Home Fleet and NATO Allied Commander-in-Chief, Eastern Fleet

Brass 7-inch radius 'Bell' Pattern Mark III Sextant by Heath & Co. Ltd., Crayford, London, the patinated brass sextant frame covered in protective black lacquer and marked 'Rd. 517155' with initials 'A E' engraved on reverse, the silver-inlaid graduated arc numbered 'N523' and engraved 'Heath & Co. Ltd. Crayford, London.', the hand-grip of mahogany with a brass mounting point for the spring-loaded retention device in the case, the index arm signed 'J. A. S. Eccles, R.N.', with original accessories comprising three telescopes, seven telescope sun filters, adjusting tools, swivelling magnifier and a Heath's Patent Definition Shade, all contained in a labelled mahogany case with a brass plaque engraved 'J. A. S. Eccles, R.N.', the inside lid enclosing a signed 'National Physical Laboratory Certificate of Examination, Class A' dated August 1916, confirming that: 'The shades and mirrors are good. The telescopes are also satisfactory,' in very good condition, the case heavily worn

John Arthur Simon Eccles was born at Marylebone, London on 20 June 1898, the son of Arthur Symons Eccles and Anne Jackson. Educated at Lancing College, he joined the Royal Navy as a Cadet on 15 September 1916. Promoted to Midshipman on 31 March 1917, he was posted to the battle-cruiser H.M.S. Indomitable, part of the 2nd Battle Cruiser Squadron based at Rosyth. He took this Sextant with him when he first boarded Indomitable, and used it throughout his long career. He was an excellent navigator, described as 'a very good and zealous officer'. During the Second World War he served aboard the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Ark Royal during the Battle of the River Plate, and was mentioned in dispatches. He became Commander of the Royal Navy Barracks, Chatham in 1947, and was promoted to Rear-Admiral in 1949. In the same year he was appointed Flag Officer commanding the Australian Fleet. He went on to become Flag Officer Air (Home) in 1953, and Commander-in-Chief of the Home Fleet in 1955. In 1955 he also became NATO Allied Commander-in-Chief, Eastern Fleet, before retiring as an Admiral in 1958. He retired to Worthy Park, Martyr Worthy, Winchester, and died on 1 March 1966. His Sextant was given by his family to his friend, Olaf Brynolf, and thence by descent.

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Sold for
£140

Starting price
£140