www.antik.it/Antique-compasses/8397-Nautical-Compass/
Code 8397
EUR 500.00
In stock
1778081692Code 8397 Nautical CompassBrass nautical travel compass signed S. Mordan & Co. No. 6276 from 1918; this is a small compass, typically used in recreational sailing, therefore on vessels less subject to magnetic deviation. It can also be held in the hand, thus away from magnetic fields. It is equipped with a sighting system and a compass rose with a double protractor circle so as to make it possible to measure the angle between the line of sight and the north indicated by the magnetic needle. Complete with needle lock.
Good condition, fully functional.
Dimensions: 5.5 x 2 cm – 2.2 x 0.7 in.
The magnetic needle was reportedly used in China as early as 2634 BC. Ancient Chinese annals, in fact, refer to a chariot carrying human-like figures with outstretched arms pointing south, the most important cardinal point for the Chinese. A precise description of this chariot is found only during the reign of Emperor Hian-tsoung (806-820 AD), while the first references to the properties of the magnet appear in a Chinese dictionary from the 2nd century AD.
The first historical references to the use of magnetic directional force in Europe date back to the late 12th or early 13th century and attribute the compass to the Amalfitans. The invention of the compass, described by Panormita and repeated by Flavio Biondo, gave rise to the legend of a non-existent Flavio Gioia of Amalfi, who supposedly built the first compass in 1302.
The instrument spread throughout the Mediterranean and was then imported to Nordic countries.
This primitive compass consisted of a magnetized rod fixed to a wooden rod, floating in a container of water. The Italians improved it by first adding a container to protect the float from the wind; then, towards the middle of the 14th century, they suspended the magnet on a point, and finally, they placed a compass rose, usually highly ornate, on top of the magnet.
Gimbal suspension made its first appearance around the middle of the 16th century. An accurate description can be found in the short compendium "De la esfera y de la arte de navegar" by Martin Cortés (1551), which provides precise guidelines for the construction of the compass.
Improvements to the instrument are largely responsible for the great discoveries of new lands from the mid-15th century onwards.
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Italy: delivering on the average in 24 h.
Europe: delivering on the average in 2/3 weekdays.
Other countries: delivering on the average in 5 weekdays; custom duties charged to the buyer.
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Of course! Free insurance by Lloyd's London that covers almost all destinations.
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Antique compasses
Code 8397 Nautical Compass
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