A Mariner's traverse board, probably Scandinavian, early 20th century. 11.5x8x1in. (29x20x2.5cm)
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A Mariner's traverse board, probably Scandinavian, early 20th century.
Of carved oak, with vestigial traces of paint and crudely incised cardinal points. Eight course and eight log lines, with carved bone pegs (one missing). 11.5x8x1in. (29x20x2.5cm)
Sold for £1,500 inc. premium

Footnotes

  • Provenance:
    Washed ashore at Burham Overy Staithe, Norfolk, during WW2.

    The traverse board was a 16th century device whereby the watch keeper recorded the course and speed during the four-hour period of the watch. Each half hour, a peg was placed in the compass rose to record the course steered, and another into the log board below to note the speed. At the end of the watch, the details were transferred to the ship's log. Simple to use and understand, the device remained popular with mariners up until the 19th century and in Scandinavian ships until the early 20th.

Category: Collectibles / Scientific Instruments

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