overall: 3.2 cm x 10.2 cm x 22.2 cm; 1 1/4 in x 4 1/32 in x 8 3/4 in
Object Name:
compass
Place made:
United Kingdom: England
Date made:
1720-1750
1720=1750
Description:
This unusual brass instrument has a magnetic compass with gimbal mounting at one end, and a chart of numbers pertaining to “Proof” and “Service” of brass and iron guns at the other. The latter suggests a connection with field tests of artillery and small arms with various amounts of gunpowder. The “Tho. Heath fecit.” inscription refers to the London instrument maker Thomas Heath who was in business by 1720, and trading as Heath & Wing by 1751.
For a somewhat similar instrument, see number 570 in the Whipple Museum of the History of Science at Cambridge University.