Dry compass

Dry compass

Card: Mica covered with paper. Black with white markings, graduated to half points with decorated E point.

Needle: Heavy edge bar type, 4.9" (12.6 cm) in length, with an expanded centre for pivot cap. Fitted with two brass sliding balance weights also a brass cross bar with sliding balance weights, running E-W.

Pivot: Cone shaped brass pivot cap fitted with jewel at top, screwed through aperture in needle.

Object Details

ID: ACO1013
Type: Dry compass
Display location: Not on display
Creator: West & Co
Date made: circa 1850
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Admiralty Compass Observatory
Measurements: Overall: 25 mm; Diameter: 125 mm