brass dial with a glass face metal compass hands (2) inside glass front. Arm at either side of the face which hinge and can be pushed up to be at right angles with the face. Attaches to tripod via a ball and socket joint under the dial section
Plastic label with ‘Marshall Blackridge’ attached to back surface of instrument (removed 2.02.98). Cross hairs in the vanes seem to have been replaced by string. Short vanes, older type. (vanes are the two arms on top of the dial) On the lid of the box ‘ Miners dial compass, 1900’ has been written in red marker pen. Invented in the 19th century miners dials are thought to have been a development of the compass and sundial.
Digital image on Keeper’s computer – S:/Keeper/MyPictures/Exhibitions/DisplayNewVisitorCentre. Taken October 2003..
Exhibition Label Text: Miner’s Dial, c. 1900. The miner’s dial had a magnetic needle, or compass. It was used to measure bearings. Dials were used for surveying roadways at the turn of the century.
box: 9.9×20.1×21.7cm, dial: diameter: 17 x w: 24 (inc arms) h: 7 (without arms raised)