The sextant, which was invented in 1759 by John Bird, proved to be a critical step in the evolution of navigation technology. Before the sextant was invented, numerous other methods and devices played pivotal roles in the evolution of navigation. This was done by relying on the relative position of the navigator to Polaris and the horizon to find the alturas, or latitude. One of the earliest known methods to deduce the latitude from Polaris while sailing was to use the thumb and one or two finger lengths on an outstretched arm. To make this process more natural, many navigators would employ the use of an arrow at arm's length. Among the earliest nautical devices used was the Kamal, invented by the Arabs. Many of the advancements in astrology and astronomy can be attributed to Greek and Arabic ingenuity. The Arabs introduced Europeans to two of these breakthrough instruments, the astrolabe and the quadrant, in the 10th century. After World War II, the C. Plath firm in Germany manufactured the design for the most modern advancements in sextants.

Today, we have the many navigational tools that shaped our nautical history thanks to the Arab revolutions in mathematics and the science of astrology and astronomy. These innovations in technology would lead us to a world of more connections. Just like the sextant was a breakthrough in modern technology at the time, the global positioning system is the modern equivalent. Regardless, many hard boiled navigators remain glued to their sextants, not trusting GPS completely. Their criticism of GPS is profound, such as the unreliability in the technology. For instance, GPS technology, while very accurate, does not have the luxury of being particularly trustworthy. As such, true trained navigators make sure to have a sextant aboard at all times, and know how to locate Polaris and alturas without a GPS.

There are several different kinds of sextants for sale, from fully functional sextants to nautical decor sextants. The 3" sextant is a great miniature brass sextant, widely available in nautical specialty stores and online. The smaller size of this sextant allows it to be very capable and accurate. There are also 4" sextants for sale if you want a larger sextant to use as a nautical decoration. Sextants for sale such as these can come in heavy high quality hardwood cases with nautical designs embedded on the case. Accompanying these sextants for sale can be more nautical decor, such as miniature telescopes that can reproduce images of highly magnified quality. What's more, there are other nautical decoration sextants for sale, like brass sextant pen holders. The brass sextant pen holder makes a wonderful nautical decoration for classrooms and offices.

The background of the sextant is rather significant to the history of nautical culture. That explains why model ship collectors are interested in the many different sextants for sale. The next step in navigation is not known yet, but there is one thing to be certain of - whatever changes come next will certainly shape our world for the better.

Decorate Your Desk With A Sextant
Sextants Are Pure Class
Navigate Your Way To Success With A Sextant

There is nothing more instinctive in our blood as humans than the need to explore. Our advancement in land and sea technology is linked directly to this need to venture out into the world. While land has been covered with our tracks over and over again, the sea still beckons for our exploration. The feelings that result from adventure can be amazing, terrifying, confusing, and humbling. Indeed, what else could appeal more to one's exploratory nature? No wonder the nautical culture is one of such splendor - it is wonderfully human! Our achievements across the uncharted are immortalized by monumental symbols we create as testimonials. Due to this, the tradition of model ship collecting has persisted through countless generations. Famous model ships are included in many of our homes, and with it a piece of history. Furthermore, our inner adventurer is appealed to by the several different kinds of nautical decorations on the market.

Among the many historically great nautical decorations is the nautical clock. The need for a reliable nautical clock was increasing during the 18th century, as solar-based clocks proved unreliable as time keepers. John Harrison saw this gaping hole in accurate nautical clock technology, and began designing his own nautical clocks - the H1, H2, H3, and H4. The nautical clocks that Harrison invented served to re-imagine the way time was viewed aboard ships. Because of Harrison's advancement in nautical clocks, brass clocks represent a strong aspect of the nautical culture. Brass nautical clocks make great backdrops to the nautical themed room, and as impressive decor around the home.

Distinctive Brass Clocks

To keep consistent with the symbolism of nautical decor, brass clocks are available in several different forms. Brass clocks can range from the standard plain ol' clocks, to replicas of ship wheels and other parts of the ship. These kinds of brass clocks are novelty styled clocks which are made from solid brass (they better be), and are polished to mirror-like shines (emphasis on the "better be"). Furthermore, such nautical decorations often come with a touch of class, such as being styled with roman numerals on the faceplate. This classiness is comparable to an automobile's console touched up by a traditional hand clock. While a digital clock is perhaps more practical, the class of the analog clock far more highbrow.

If you are searching for something that has a more humble look, then a rosewood wall clock is just the kind you want. Brass clocks comprised of rosewood are obviously not completely brass, but with a brass trim that serves to highlight the elegant look of the clock as a whole. The result is one that is not too flashy, but rather, a true piece of classiness that will go well in any interior of the traditional or even modern home. Similar to brass porthole clocks, rosewood brass clocks features roman numerals that grace the front plate. Many of these brass clocks are available with customization of the nameplate, so that they can read however you would like them to. The result of which makes the brass clock an excellent gift. Learn more about tropical home decor.

These are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to brass clocks. When it is all said and done, brass clocks enjoy a reputation that is superior to clocks made of lesser quality materials, such as plastic or low grade woods.

You can maintain your blog by logging in to your Bravenet account. Once you are logged in you can customize the layout, colors, and features. In addition, you can add your own links, edit your profile, add your friends, and change many other options to personalize your blog.

Once you begin using your blog, you can view statistics in your members area to see how many people are reading your blog as well as where they come from.

We hope you enjoy your Blog. Be sure to tell all your friends about this great new service from Bravenet!