Compass
Category
Scientific instruments
Date
Unknown
Materials
Leather, Brass, Pinchbeck
Measurements
17 mm (Depth); 50 mm (Diameter); 77 mm (Length)
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Snowshill Manor and Garden, Gloucestershire
NT 1338266
Summary
Fob cased brass compass with hanging loop atop a short column, set within a circular red leather case hinged at one side, with two rotating hook latches. Detailed printed compass dial and full width needle. Charles Wade refers to this item in his notebook 'Days Far Away' (SNO.MISC.958) when he is discussing Grannies (Katherine Blanche Spencer nee Bulwer) Cantonese cabinet (1331891 SNO.F.23). 'The cabinet was filled with interesting old Family Treasures – these I loved to be shown and told about.....The great, great grandfather’s compass of pinchbeck in its red leather case. His case of beautifully shaped drawing instruments and his silver spectacles in Shagreen case.. (Page 22) The great-great grandfather referred to could be Augustine Earle Bulwer, father to Augustine Earle Lloyd Bulwer or Rev Edward Earle Bulwer, father to Mary Blanche Bulwer.
Provenance
Given to the National Trust with Snowshill Manor in 1951 by Charles Paget Wade. Previously belonged to Katherine Blanche Spencer Nee Bulwer (Charles Wade's grandmother). Previously belonged to Augustine Earle Bulwer (Charles Wade's great, great grandfather).