Historical information

Dividers are used by navigators to measure the distance between two points on a map or chart. Each point of the divider is places on a map point, then the distance between the points of the divider is measured against the scale of the chart or map. This helps determine the ship's path of travel, the distance travelled and the current location.

Significance

Not very significant as not associated with any historical event or person, same pattern of dividers is available today from many retail outlets. Also item was probably made around 1940s to 1950s

Physical description

Dividers; brass navigator's dividers with fine, stainless steel points. Made in Britain by W & H C (inscription).
This navigational tool is used by a ship's navigator to mark the ship's position. Each end point of the divider is placed on a position on a chart or map, then the length between the points of the divider is measured on the chart's scale.

Inscriptions & markings

Inscribed "British Made" and "W & H C".