Share your favorites on Show & Tell

Backwards Compass?

In Tools and Hardware > Compasses > Show & Tell.
Compasses44 of 93Hello Sailor! C.Plath, Hamburg, Germany small ships compass, resting on a Gimbal within a Maghony boxHenry Boker brass pocket watch made in Germany
7
Love it
0
Like it

JasonRendlemanJasonRendleman loves this.
fortapachefortapache loves this.
officialfuelofficialfuel loves this.
SpiritBearSpiritBear loves this.
blunderbuss2blunderbuss2 loves this.
WindwalkerWindwalker loves this.
vetraio50vetraio50 loves this.
See 5 more
Add to collection

    Please create an account, or Log in here

    If you don't have an account, create one here.


    Create a Show & TellReport as inappropriate


    Posted 9 years ago

    RCrosby257
    (1 item)

    This was my dads compass, a K&E. He was a forester. I'm puzzled by the fact that the face has East and West reversed and I've been unable to find anyone who can tell me why.
    Anyone?

    Unsolved Mystery

    Help us close this case. Add your knowledge below.

    logo
    Compasses
    See all
    brass nautical gimbal compass vintage ship's binnacle gimballed compass.
    brass nautical gimbal compass vinta...
    $32
    Antique Vintage Brass Solid Kelvin & Hughes 1917 Brunton Compass Handmade
    Antique Vintage Brass Solid Kelvin ...
    $29
    Vtg Weems & Plath Japan Hand Held Bearing Compass Nautical As Is & Box
    Vtg Weems & Plath Japan Hand Held B...
    $42
    Vintage London Old Army Tracking Compass Sailor Boat Instrument Magnetic Compass
    Vintage London Old Army Tracking Co...
    $27
    logo
    brass nautical gimbal compass vintage ship's binnacle gimballed compass.
    brass nautical gimbal compass vinta...
    $32
    See all

    Comments

    1. UncleRon UncleRon, 9 years ago
      This is called an "aiming compass" (among other names). The idea is that the needle indicates the true direction you are FACING. (Note that the degrees are also "backwards", ascending COUNTER-clockwise.) Here's how it works: you are walking 45 degrees North-EAST but you don't know that and you want to know which direction you are heading. Hold your compass with North at 12:00 and turn yourself until the needle is on North; so now you are facing North. Now turn your whole body and compass to the direction in which you are walking, which in this case would be 45 degrees clockwise. The needle is now indicating 45 degrees to the LEFT of North (counter-clockwise, or at 10:30) but it is indicating 45 degrees EAST according to the dial.
    2. RCrosby257, 9 years ago
      Uncle Ron, Can't wait to go out tomorrow and walk through your directions. Very clear, but I have a hard time picturing things from verbal directions. Could probably do it in the living room, but the back yard will be more fun. Thank you so much!!! Rob
    3. Windwalker, 9 years ago
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xfRmR6OAok
      have fun .............
    4. blunderbuss2 blunderbuss2, 9 years ago
      You mind repeating that Ron ! LOL !!
    5. RCrosby257, 9 years ago
      L.I.B. M.R. Ducks!
      It works. Wondered for a while if you just pulling my leg.
      Thanks, as well, Windwalker, for the link to that great video!
      ;-)

    Want to post a comment?

    Create an account or login in order to post a comment.