Dry compass

Dry compass

Card: Mica covered with paper, black with white and black markings, graduated to 32 points with decorated E point, edge of card graduated quadrantally in degrees.

Needle: Flat bar type, 4.9" (12.6 cm) in length. Has expanded centre which has an aperture for pivot cap. Has several blobs of sealing wax to balance the card.

Pivot: Cone shaped brass pivot cap fitted with jewel at top, screwed through aperture in needle.

Object Details

ID: ACO1010
Type: Dry compass
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Spencer Browning & Rust
Date made: circa 1850
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Admiralty Compass Observatory
Measurements: Overall: 20 mm; Diameter: 124 mm