Description

A fine six inch square mariner’s pocket compass in flame mahogany, silvered outer degree circle and paper inner dial using the old and new standards of navigational directions. c.1780.

Surprisingly unsigned on the inner ring, the style is that of Adams or Dollond. Finely engraved with degrees, direction and quadrants. The compass rose with 32 divisions, degrees measured in both directions, the outer raised degree circle is silvered brass. The 5 inch blued steel needle is finely chiselled at the pivot point and still points North. Original glass and brass retaining ring. Flawless case with both finely chiseled and eared C-hooks and 8 pin square hinges. All original and untouched.

During the late 18th century, mariner’s were simplifying bearings and direction for charting and navigation. The old system using Gunter rules and logrithmic charts in comples tables on the basis of directional bearing eg. SW by S, etc. was being replaced by straight degree measure (in both directions and often in 90 degree quadrants). This standardised and simplified the task for the Captain and made deck commands more easily understood,  employed and more accurate.