Wing Compass

Date1775-1825

MediumIron and steel

DimensionsOverall: 11 3/8 × 1 1/4 in (28.9 × 3.2cm); Min. width: 3 1/4 (8.3cm); Max width: 18 7/8 (48cm)
Length of legs: 10 9/16"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1989-331

DescriptionClassic Birmingham iron compass with two equal tapered, chamfered and filed legs, joined at the top by a plain disc-shaped hinge. Wing with a shaped end morticed into the left hand leg, passing through the right hand leg where it is secured by a thumb screw. Tips of legs are steel and are incompletely welded on their inside.Label TextEngland’s industrial heartland centered around Birmingham were producing refined and beautiful compasses of this type by the middle years of the 18th century. This example has a set screw which allows it to be locked into position.