navigational lodestone
Datecirca 1620
Inventory NumberDW0114
ClassificationLodestone
Subject
Maker
English
?
Cultural Region
Dimensions9.9 × 3.7 × 5.6 cm (3 7/8 × 1 7/16 × 2 3/16 in.)
Material
DescriptionThis is a small-sized, dark brown [rusted], oval-shaped lodestone bound with two brass keepers, iron pole pieces, a brass suspension ring, and a brass cap.
The cap is held in place by two nuts.
The cap is held in place by two nuts.
Signedunsigned
Inscribedon the side of the bottom brass keeper: N [to mark North pole]
Curatorial RemarksThe brass has been cleaned. The lodestone's magnetism is very weak.
FunctionThis lodestone, along with its similar counterpart DW0112, were probably used as compass accessories for navigation. In navigation, lodestones are used to magnetize compass needles.
ProvenanceDavid Wheatland, 1959.
Date: circa 1820
Accessories: keeper bar with brass hook; stand (DW0100b); weight (visible in old photograph) is no longer with instrument.
Object number: DW0100a
Edmund Scientific Corporation
Date: circa 1950
Accessories: envelope
Object number: 1998-1-1564
Adrien Gavard
Date: circa 1860
Accessories: hinged mahogany case with original trade label; extra arm; writing implements; instrument weights; small ivory wheels with brass frames
Object number: 1997-1-1856
English
Date: 1715-1720
Accessories: solar filter; lens; awl; dust caps.
Object number: 5002
Claude-Siméon Passemant
Date: 1750-1769
Accessories: dust cap
Object number: DW0936
See also/See also
