Hemisferium Cardan or Marine Compass

The Cardan or Marine Compass is a nautical instrument whose use was fundamental in the development of navigation and cartography.

New types of compasses were devised because the rock and pitch of a vessel make ordinary compasses useless. Ship compasses were mounted in a Cardan suspension, which allowed them to remain constantly level.

The compass went through few modifications until the 19th century, when scientists, engineers and navigators made noticeable improvements.

The compass measures 100mm across and 58mm thick.

Material: Brass lacquer, beech, and oak wood (naturally waxed and polished) with plastic glass over the magnetic compass.