navigational lodestone
Date: circa 1700
Inventory Number: DW0112
Classification: Lodestone
Subject:
Maker: English ?
Cultural Region:
Dimensions:
13.2 × 4.8 × 8.5 cm (5 3/16 × 1 7/8 × 3 3/8 in.)
Description:
This is a medium-sized, dark brown [rusted] lodestone bound with two brass keepers, iron pole pieces, a brass suspension ring, and a brass cap.
Signedunsigned
Inscribedon the sides of the upper brass keeper of the lodestone: P;
on the side of the brass cap of the lodestone: P
on the side of the brass cap of the lodestone: P
FunctionThis lodestone, along with its similar counterpart DW0114, were probably used as compass accessories for navigation. In navigation, lodestones are used to magnetize compass needles.
Curatorial RemarksThe brass has been cleaned. The lodestone's magnetism is very weak.
ProvenanceDavid Wheatland, 1959.