Backstaff

The backstaff has a lignum vitae frame and boxwood scales, an inlaid ivory plate on the main strut, brass rivets, and no vanes. Decorative stars and fleurs-de-lis are stamped on the frame and handle.

The transversal scale on the thirty degree arc (cracked) is from 0° to 25° by 5 arcminutes and reads to 1 arcminute. The graduation on the sixty degree arc is from 0° to 65° by 1°, and on the outer edge has a scale for correcting for the Sun’s semi-diameter.

Object Details

ID: NAV0035
Collection: Astronomical and navigational instruments
Type: Backstaff
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Gilbert & Sons
Date made: 1755
People: Norman, J
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Caird Collection
Measurements: Overall: 16 mm x 639 mm x 355 mm
Parts: Backstaff
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