Polaris - Sun Compass

Consists of a silvered brass bearing plate 8" (20.3cm) dia., graduated quadrantally in degrees, by semi-circles 0-180-0-180, and to 1/4 points. The plate can be rotated and set to the ships head against a lubber mark carried on the gimbal ring. At the centre of the bearing plate there is a vertical shaft carrying a dial, graduated by semi-circles 0-180, 0-180 and in hours, which can be tilted to latitude against a scale carried on its underside. Hinged sights are fitted to an alidade pivoted at the centre of the dial. One of the vanes caries crosswires, and the other a curved plate with crossed slits. A pointer attached to the lower end of the vertical shaft indicates the bearing of the sun on the bearing plate. Mounted in a brass gimbal ring 8.5" (21.6cm) dia. which carries a scribed lubber mark. Mounted in wooden box with lid fitted with a clinometer on one side and a leather carrying strap.

Object Details

ID: ACO0635
Type: Polaris - Sun Compass
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Dobbie McInnes Ltd
Date made: 1889
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Admiralty Compass Observatory
Measurements: Overall: 356 mm x 267 mm x 267 mm
Parts: Polaris - Sun Compass
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