Octangonal Cross Staff

Description

The Cross-Staff was used at sea from the beginning of the 16th century until the first half of the 18th century. It was used to measure the sun's altitude, especially at the meridian passage. With the knowledge of the sun's declination, the mariner could then obtain his latitude. The staff is original, with the inscription. The cross pieces are replicas. Different cross pieces were used depending on the altitude. A different scale is on each side of the staff.

Description

Clinometer Handle Compass is a reproduction of an antique Clinometer compass. The Handle Compass gets its name from its "handle" shaped sight, which actually serves two purposes With the compass level, an object can be viewed through the peep sights to determine its magnetic heading. The second and most interesting purpose is when tilting the compass on its side and viewing an object through the sights, its angle of elevation or declination can be found. A weighted pendulous arm beneath the compass needle can be read from one of three scales : Angle in degrees beneath the zenith (from straight up), angle in degrees of elevation or declination, and in inches per yard of slope. The compass has a needle lift mechanism to protect the compass jewel and the pendulous arm when being transported.