Sextant Hydrographic Institute of the Royal Italian Navy, Ved. Multedo - Genoa, 1899/1910

Nautical sextant commissioned by the Hydrographic Institute of the Royal Navy of Genoa from the firm Ved. Multedo & Figli, Genoa, dating between the late 19th and early 20th century.

The instrument bears the manufacturer's mark, the full name of the Hydrographic Institute of the Royal Navy, and the number "8," likely referring to the inventory or serial number assigned by the Institute to its technical-scientific instruments. It is plausible that the sextant was intended for naval vessels employed in the Royal Navy's hydrographic and scientific services, such as the Scilla, the Magnaghi, and the Calabria, among others. These vessels were specifically equipped for hydrographic and topographic surveys of the coast, as well as for oceanographic study and research campaigns under the direction of the Institute.

This instrument is of considerable historical and collectible interest. Indeed, documentary information relating to the firm Ved. Multedo & Figli is extremely limited. From research conducted to date, only one contract, dated 1909, has emerged with certainty, with which the company supplied the Royal Navy with a Savoy flag for the Royal Navy's ship, the Regia Nave Tortona. This scarcity of sources contributes to the documentary and collectors' interest in this sextant.

The specimen is in excellent condition and comes complete with its original wooden case, equipped with its original lock and key, as well as the original accessories.

History of "Ditta Ved. Multedo & Figli Genova":

Ved. Multedo & Figli, active in Genoa between the late 19th century and the early 20th century, operated primarily in the production and marketing of naval equipment and supplies, distinguishing itself as a supplier of materials for maritime and institutional use.