Compass

Compass comes from the Italian word com-passo. The compass is an instrument used to determine a specific direction - for example, the cardinal point, the navigational course, or the bearing.

The oldest compasses were based on the North Star, which was only visible in clear weather and at night. The discovery of the magnetic north pole was a major advance. Now you could always calculate the four corners of the world. However, you have to compensate a little for the small difference between the geographic and the magnetic north pole.

The compass rose, as it is still used in smaller fishing cutters and in small ships, probably has its roots all the way back to the Vikings' bearing washers. The bearing discs / compass rose were divided into 32 lines.
Each line is 360/32 = 11.25 degrees. So if you want to convert a bearing, such as NW to N 3/4 N to degrees, you have to find out how many lines you pass from the north to reach the bearing. The number of lines must then be multiplied by 11.25 to get the course in degrees. Here it will be 29.75 lines, and the bearing will be 29.75x11.25 = 334.69 degrees.

Note that holding a compass near metal will not point it correctly. When you unpack your compass around the house and you are close to your radiator or wood stove, your new compass can often not point you in the right direction. Go outside and check the new compass.

Some of the compasses shown have writing on the back, but most are suitable for engraving. A jeweler can engrave a compass for you if you want to give it as a gift for a special occasion.

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If the item is "made to order", the delivery time is 2-5 days.