Maker

N/A

Model

N/A

Serial Number

N/A

Dimensions

Length 80mm (folded)

Image

Description

It is a pocket drawing instrument used for drawing circles in Indian ink. This compass carries the inscription of the owner's name, H. W. Haseler, and is commonly known as a 'pillar' compass. The legs consist of reversible inserts allowing the compass to be used as either dividers or to provide one point and an ink or pencil head. The addition of hinged joints enables the legs of the compass to be folded into a more compact instrument thus allowing the compass to be carried in a small pocket case similar in size and shape to a spectacle case.

History & comments

Pocket and folding compasses and dividers were available from the early nineteenth century.

Conservation

In a case

Condition

Good

Remarks

• Inscription: 'H. W. Haseler'
• Donated from the Estate of Mr. Patrick Walsh, F. I. S. (Australia) October, 1977.
• According to Veronica Lampkin (18 Feb 2005), the original owner worked in the Queensland public service as a draftsman
• Catalogued by T. Ko
• Updated by F. Pall and J. M. Rüeger

Dates

Manufactured in 1900 (approx). Catalogued in 1997