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Aurapole pocket compass

Datecirca 1915

Inventory Number1996-1-0045

ClassificationMagnetic Compass

Subject

Manufacturer Short and Mason 1875 - 1918

Maker Taylor Instrument Companies 1851 - 1992

Cultural Region

Place of Origin

Dimensionsclosed: 1.3 × 4.5 × 5.6 cm (1/2 × 1 3/4 × 2 3/16 in.)

Material

DescriptionCircular white metal case. Round knob with push button opens case. Magnetized compass needle. Fixed piece of metal from center of dial to west. Eight points of the compass are designated by initials. Lines mark every 5 degrees and these are written out every 15 degrees.

Signedon compass rose SHORT & MASON / TAYLOR-ROCHESTER,N.Y.

Inscribedon compass: AURAPOLE / PAT.APR. 20-1915

Curatorial RemarksInstruments 1996-1-0045, 1996-1-0046 and 1996-1-1649 are identical, except 1996-1-1649 is embedded in a wooden block. This compass was manufactured at a time when Short and Mason was being absorbed by Taylor Instruments. For some years, Short and Mason maintained their facilities in London, but most of the operations were transferred to Taylor in the late 1910s.

FunctionTo help someone find his or her bearing or direction around. It is small enough
in side to fit in one's pocket.

ProvenanceDonated by Dept. of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Harvard University, Apr. 2, 1992