This 19th century high precision navigation instrument is engraved in script on the arc scale "E. Loueux a Paris (2266)/Schiaveni Bellieni a Bresl". In addition "Captain Walton O. Hooker Jr/Gardinier Maine/Ship "Henry Morse" 1878" is engraved in script on the index arm and on case handle mounting bracket. It appears that the sextant was in possession of, or dedicated to Captain Hooker upon his death in 1878. At a later date the instrument was acquired by the Naval Observatory and is marked "U.S. NAVY. R31518" on the arc scale. The lid of the wood case shows a "CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION/U./S. NAVAL OBSERVATORY" sheet dated Oct 10, 1918 for instrument number 31518. Only the most accurate instruments were accepted for observatory use and French instruments such as this example were considered to have the highest accuracy. Complete with a wood case, accessories and documentation showing a brief history and obituary of Captain Hooker.

Fine as possibly refurbished by the navy shops in the early 1900s. The instrument shows light wear and some minor flaking of the finish and was not tested for function. The case is good as refurbished with some handling, edge and corner wear. The top and bottom panels show full width cracks. The accessories show light handling and use marks.