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Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
From the collection of Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
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Instrument - Compass, late 19th to early 20th century

  • Metal compass has a 90 degree arc and a screw to hold the angle in place. The pointed arms are hinged at the top. There is an inscription on the compass.

    Compass on bench, from above

  • Compass surface is scratched and pitted

    Other side of compass, from above

  • Inscription is stamped into the top of the compass' arm

    Close-up of inscription

  • Metal compass has a 90 degree arc and a screw to hold the angle in place. The pointed arms are hinged at the top. There is an inscription on the compass.
  • Compass surface is scratched and pitted
  • Inscription is stamped into the top of the compass' arm

Historical information

This large compass is well made. It is now pitted and scratched, indication much use.

Compasses were used to measure and mark out the head of the barrel by coopers. Very large compasses were used by block, spar and pump makers to help shave off angles left by axes and other tools on mast sides. Also they were used by blacksmiths in their work draftsmen, carpenters, engineers and navigators.

Significance

This compass is an example of a drawing instrument that could have been used in the 19th and early 20th century by coopers and blacksmiths as well as navigators and ship smiths.

Physical description

Compass; large metal compass, 90-degree angle, two pointed arms hinged at the top. Inscription on the top of one arm.

Inscriptions & markings

Stamped into the metal " J J E " ( or J J F )

Subjects

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