Qibla indicator

Qibla indicator, comprising a round brass box with a hinged lid and an inset magnetic compass. It is of a standard form for a Qibla indicator. The inscriptions are mostly gazzeteers of key locations with their co-ordinates. The inscriptions around the compass seem to indicate the directions towards Mecca. It may once have had a pierced circle with a degree circle, gnomon and indicator, but this is now missing. The glass may also be a later replacement.

Small brass pocket compass heavily chased. Bare needle type, graduated to 32 points. Heavily inscribed both inside and out.

Object Details

ID: NAV0217
Type: Qibla indicator
Display location: Display - ROG
Creator: Unknown
Date made: circa 1800; 18th or 19th century 18th
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Caird Collection
Measurements: Overall: 19 x 71 x 75 mm