Bearing Plate

An ingenious extemporised bearing plate found on a French trawler. It consists of a water-tight bulkhead electric light fitting (brass) which has been fitted with gimbals, diameter 12.2" (31cm), and balanced so that its glass is horizontal. The flat glass is fitted with a spigot for an alidade and a paper compass card, graduated 0-180 degs through E & W, is stuck to its underside.

Object Details

ID: ACO0713
Type: Bearing Plate
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Unknown
Date made: circa 1939 ?
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Admiralty Compass Observatory
Measurements: Overall: 110 mm x 350 mm x 325 mm