Dividers

Mariners and surveyors used dividers for measuring off distances on charts and maps. This pair is made of brass with steel points and folds up for storage in a leather case. The steel points are also reversible - one becoming a pencil, the other a pen - so that the dividers can also be used as a drawing compass.

Object Details

ID: NAV0537
Collection: Astronomical and navigational instruments
Type: Dividers
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Unknown
Date made: circa 1800
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 10 mm x 83 mm x 27 mm
Parts: Dividers