Holland circle
Datecirca 1670
Inventory NumberDW0674a
ClassificationCircumferentor
Subject
Maker
Jacobus de Steur
fl. circa 1650 - 1700
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions6.2 x 32.6 x 36 cm (2 7/16 x 12 13/16 x 14 3/16 in.)
Material
DescriptionThis Holland circle is composed of four fixed sights and 2 rotating sights mounted on an alidade. A compass (minus needle and glass cover) with silvered dial is found at the center of the instrument. A fleur-de-lys represents north. The instrument is decorated with stylish marine animals (dolphins), found on either side of the four fixed sights. Four of these were also added on the alidade.
The periphery of the instrument is made of a degree scale, the smallest division being 10'. There is a vernier on the alidade for precision reading (to the minute). Inside the outer most scale, four quadrants of 90 degrees each. The inner circle has 4 quadrants with the 0-100-0 division (the smallest division being the unit) that would have most likely been used by military engineers.
A suspension ring is attached above one sight so the instrument could be used to measure altitudes in the vertical position. Under the instrument is a ball-and-socket joint for fixing it to a staff or tripod in the field.
The periphery of the instrument is made of a degree scale, the smallest division being 10'. There is a vernier on the alidade for precision reading (to the minute). Inside the outer most scale, four quadrants of 90 degrees each. The inner circle has 4 quadrants with the 0-100-0 division (the smallest division being the unit) that would have most likely been used by military engineers.
A suspension ring is attached above one sight so the instrument could be used to measure altitudes in the vertical position. Under the instrument is a ball-and-socket joint for fixing it to a staff or tripod in the field.
In Collection(s)
Signedin script: Jacobus de Steur Fecit Leydae
FunctionMounted on a tripod or staff in the field, or hung by its ring, the Holland circle could be used in any orientation to measure angles by means of a scale divided into degrees around the circle. When mounted horizontally, it also measured angles with respect to bearings of the magnetic compass (and was known as a circumferentor). Mostly used in surverying and military engineering.
ProvenanceDavid Wheatland purchased from Alain Brieux, Paris, May 6, 1965 (lot 22/2887). Donated to CHSI 1985.
Anthoine Mestrel
Date: 1551
Accessories: old velvet pouch
Object number: DW0592
Thomas Jones (I)
Date: circa 1835
Accessories: case
Object number: DW0677
Edmund Culpeper
Date: 1700-1737
Accessories: case
Object number: DW0676
Antonius Giamin
Date: early 20th Century
Object number: DW0590
See also/See also
