Square-Joint Compass
Date1765-1785
OriginEngland, Birmingham
MediumIron and steel
DimensionsOverall: L 5 7/8 × W 1/2-7 1/2 × D 9/16 in (15 × 1.3-19 × 1.4cm)
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1991-613
DescriptionSquare-joint compass with two chamferred and tapered legs ending in sharpened steel tips. Bulbous joint bolstered by a "flange and mortise" extension.Label TextSmaller compasses are sometimes referred to as “dividers.” The design of this tool’s joint allows the legs to be set without the need for a wing and screw. In addition to scribing circles and arcs, compasses were used for stepping off proportional measurements.Mark(s)Marked "AULT" on one leg and "SAM" on the other.ProvenancePurchased at David Stanley Auctions, Leicester, England, 28 Sept. 1991, Lot 467.
1775-1825
c.1776
1750-1800
c.1776
1760-1820
