Lodestone

Lodestones were often mounted in frames of brass, bronze or silver, and sometimes had an iron or steel keeper (a bar to help preserve their magnetic power). This lodestone has a brass frame with a carrying loop on top, allowing it to be carried from a belt, and is 'armed' with two pieces of steel at the bottom, which help to increase the magnetic strength of the lodestone.

Object Details

ID: NAV0707
Collection: Astronomical and navigational instruments
Type: Lodestone
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Unknown
Date made: ca.1550-1600
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Caird Collection
Measurements: Overall: 90 x 60 x 45 mm