Handcrafted Nautical Decor - Solid Brass Alidade Compass 14"

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.