The Hampton Nautical Brass Alidade Compass with telescope and bubble level is a beautiful desktop nautical gem or can rest perfectly on a mantel or bookshelf. This solid brass alidade has a magnetic compass mounted beneath it for guaranteed accurate readings. On the telescope is mounted a bubble level for precise sighting. Alidade is mounted on solid brass support with a complimenting hardwood base which has 3 adjustable leg-screws for perfect balance. Fine-quality reproduction for surveyors to align and measure vertical and horizontal angles. This solid brass nautical gem features a real working telescope.
Solid brass functional telescope
Adjustable compass for accurate bearings and measurements
Bubble leveling & feet screws precisely align alidade and compass
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Formaldehyde, and Styrene, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, and Chromium and Toluene, which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
During the Age of Discovery sailing became one of the most important aspects of exploration and expansion. As the various European powers jostled for superiority they made advancements in all areas of nautical science, from improvements to the antique compass to the use of the alidade. Originally just a ruler that had sights on either end wired on, the alidade evolved to be a powerful instrument in mapping and in ship safety. As the first liquid brass compass aided sailors with its more stabilized needle, the telescopic alidade became more effective in making measurements at sea. Used to sight enemy vessels, mark dangers to the ship such as corals or icebergs, and to map the unknown world, the telescopic alidade worked in conjunction with the brass compass. With a semi circle marking degrees of variation, the alidade was used to determine a straight line path and to measure the angle between to objects. Combined with the directional use of antique compasses the alidade was used to produce some of the first geographically correct maps of both European and American coastlines. This brass compass combines these two historic tools into one elegant work, capable to guiding the way and marking the trail.