plane table compass
Date1775-1787
Inventory NumberDW0131
ClassificationMagnetic Compass
Subject
Maker
Henry Edgworth
fl. 1775 - 1787
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions28.3 x 13.5 x 3 cm (11 1/8 x 5 5/16 x 1 3/16 in.)
Material
DescriptionThe compass is octogonal in shape and made of wood. The small plane table is attached to it. The compass card has four graduated quadrants of 90 degrees each and has a nice foliage design. The North point is marked by a fleur-de-lys. The needle ressembles a harpoon. The circular glass plate covers the compass. Two little pinholes were probably used to fixed other accessories which would have helped in the drafting of the charts.
In Collection(s)
Signedin center of the compass card: H. EDGWORTH MAKER BRISTOL
FunctionThis compass was used with a plane table to draw surveying charts. Its function was to correctly orient the plane table according to the data taken from the field.
ProvenanceDavid Wheatland acquired from Colin Richardson, London, 1962. Donated to CHSI 1985.
E. S. Ritchie & Sons
Date: 1919
Accessories: azimuth circle (5330b)
Object number: 5330a
Samuel Thaxter & Son
Date: 1825-1843
Object number: DW0519
Henry Winter
Date: circa 1850
Accessories: carrying case; leather bag; tripod (5186b)
Object number: 5186a
