Museo Galileo
italiano
Virtual Museum
Azimuth compass
    • Setting:
      Room XI
    • Maker:
      unknown
    • Place:
      English
    • Date:
      late 18th cent.
    • Materials:
      mahogany, brass, steel
    • Dimensions:
      total height 175 mm, base 330x330 mm
    • Inventory:
      3373
    • Azimuth compass (Inv. 3373)

Azimuth compass mounted on gimbals. A mahogany box with brass frame is suspended inside a second box with handles. Hand-made and hand-colored windrose, above which pivots a broad magnetic needle with garnet bearing cup. This needle shape was suggested in 1774 by Jan Hendrik van Swinden. A small mirror is set at an angle at the center of one of the sides of the box. The sights are missing. Provenance: Lorraine collections.