17th century architect's compass - photo

[Jon]

17th century architect's compass.

Fullsize image: https://diqn32j8nouaz.cloudfront.net...s_fullsize.jpg




Previously:

1619 compass - photo
World's largest compass rose - GIF
Compass forged from rebar and spring steel - video
Hirtz compass for locating bullets in surgery - photo
Using an analog watch as a compass - photo

[mwmkravchenko]

Both form and function. Plus pretty artistic to boot!

[Tonyg]

Look like deviders to me, and agree with mwmkravchenko.

[mklotz]

Look like deviders to me...

Admittedly, they do look like the modern version of dividers but recognize the fact that in the 1600s, the "architect" may have been drawing directly on materials such as stone, slate or metal at the worksite. A scribed rather than pencilled mark wouldn't have easily washed or abraded away.

[mansworld]

Ornamentation was essential part of ancient tools making. They had the luxury of spare time to carve the two screw knobs!

[mklotz]

The adjustment screws seem way too long. If the arms were run out to the outer limit of the screws they would be close to parallel - not something one needs to do with compass legs.