pocket compass
Datecirca 1650
Inventory Number7861
ClassificationMagnetic Compass
Subject
Maker
Dutch
Cultural Region
Dimensions1.3 × 11.1 × 11.1 cm (1/2 × 4 3/8 × 4 3/8 in.)
Material
Accessoriesround brass case
DescriptionBrass compass consisting of a needle mounted in a cylindrical brass compartment protected by glass on top. the compartment is marked in latin: SEPT, ORIE, MERI, OCCI. The compartment itself is mounted on a wider circular brass plate resting on three small feet, and can be rotated with respect to it. The brass plate has the cardinal points marked on its outer edge in dutch: NORD, OST, SUD, WEST including intermediates (NNO, ONO etc.). Closer to the compass compartment is another scale, with 12 at both north and south, and increasing clockwise from 0-12 twice (the 12 acting as 0). The rest of the brass plate is decorated with engravings.
There are pointers at each cardinal point of the compass compartment extending to the numbered scale.
The whole instrument is contained in a cylindrical brass case, essentially two brass dishes that are pressed together.
The compass needle is currently off its pivot.
There are pointers at each cardinal point of the compass compartment extending to the numbered scale.
The whole instrument is contained in a cylindrical brass case, essentially two brass dishes that are pressed together.
The compass needle is currently off its pivot.
Signedunsigned
Curatorial RemarksA fine instrument with beautiful engraving and workmanship. Very probably a ship's instrument and now very rare.
Christie's DC 830/238.
Used to have number DW0123.
FunctionVery probably a ship's instrument.
ProvenanceDavid Wheatland purchased from Ernst Weil, London, 1948.
Conrad Karner
Date: 1630
Accessories: On 6/22/98 an envelope with a piece to this dial was found in 1V-2b. However, on the envelope it said "wrong dial," with no other information. JR
Object number: 7554
Christiaen Christiaensen
Date: circa 1650
Object number: 7588
See also/See also
