Dry compass

Card- Mica covered with paper. White with black and white markings, graduated to 1/4 and 1" from edge is a circle of degree graduations with two rows of figures 0-9 quadrantally and 0-360 (for use with Gilberts azimuth circle). Card is perforated by 8 holes, for an unknown purpose.
Needle- Two edge bar type of laminated clock spring steel 7.5" length x 0.5" deep and 1.75" apart. A brass crossbar is fitted at each end to secure needles to card. A brass cross frame, attached to needles, is fitted at centre to carry pivot.
Pivot- Cone-shaped brass pivot cap with jewel at top screwed through centre of cross frame.

Object Details

ID: ACO0939
Type: Dry compass
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Gilbert & Sons
Date made: 1837-1840; 1837-40
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Admiralty Compass Observatory
Measurements: Overall: 15 mm; Diameter: 190 mm