Dry card compass

The compass, like this ship’s steering compass, is one of the most important navigational instruments, since it enables mariners to know the direction in which they are sailing. The compass card of this example is made of paper and is marked with the points of the compass, with north decorated with a fleur-de-lys and some decoration of the east point. On top of the card is a metal ring graduated from 0 to 360 degrees with 0.5 degree divisions. The maker’s name is printed around the centre of the card as ‘SYEDS & DAVIS 379, Rotherhithe, London’ and the card is dated ‘May 26th 1827’. The brass bowl is fitted with a stop mechanism to steady the card. It is weighted with lead and is mounted on pivots.

Object Details

ID: ACO0004
Collection: Astronomical and navigational instruments
Type: Dry card compass
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Syeds & Davis
Date made: 1827
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Admiralty Compass Observatory
Measurements: Overall: 130 mm x 228 mm x 228 mm