Description

 Rare Navigator’s traverse board signed Debrousses a Brest Dated 1830

The paddle shaped board is mounted with a brass plate pierced with navigation holes for pegs, and hand-stamped with numerals and scale labels. There is 64 Point compass rose ,with eight holes for each direction, corresponding to every half-hour at the each.

The principal directions are marked N, S, E,O.

A traverse board is a navigation tool used by sailors to determine their position at sea. The holes and pegs allowed them to plot their course and track their progress. The compass rose would help them determine their heading and the scale labels would allow them to measure distances and plot their course on a chart.

The fact that it is signed by Debrousses from Brest, France and dated 1830 makes it even more special. Brest was a major port and shipbuilding center in the 19th century and the name Debrousses is a well-known maritime family in France, so the board could have a connection to the rich maritime history of the region.

It is likely that this traverse board would be of great interest to collectors of nautical antiques and maritime history enthusiasts. It could also be a valuable piece of historical memorabilia that would be of interest to museums or maritime history organizations. I would recommend consulting with an expert in this field to determine its value and authenticity.

See the back cover of the dust jacket of Jean ‘s Randier  L’instrument de marine.