Celestial compass

Upper Bowl-Brass with black centre. Graduated in Roman and Arabic numerals I-XII and 1-12 around edges. Altitude sighter which swivels at centre of bowl. Thumb screw rack and pinion adjustment for altitude, arc is graduated 0-45 twice. Small vernier on side of arc and sights on top. An arrow lies across the bowl pointing at the graduations. Bowl can be adjusted horizontally by rack and pinion which moves an arc graduated to 90 degs. This also has a vernier. Lead weight slung beneath bowl. The whole set in gimbals.
Compass bowl-Brass, white metal inside. Glazed. Slung beneath lead weight of upper bowl by three brass tubes. Graduated to eight points and quadrantally in degrees.
Card-Consists of the white metal inside bowl. Graduated to eight points and quadrantally in degrees.
Needle-Bar type with spigot at North end. Jewelled pivot cap at centre. Length 3.4" (8.7cm)
Rests on circular wood and brass platform which is graduated to eight points and quadrantally in degrees. Platform moves in azimuth by thumb screw rack and pinion. Has vernier.

Object Details

ID: ACO0086
Type: Celestial compass
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Lealand, P.
Date made: 1824
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Admiralty Compass Observatory
Measurements: Overall: 235 mm x 250 mm x 250 mm