Compass Card Collection

Analematic sundial (by projecting the shadow of the gnomon) for latitude 51 degrees, c.1697 (copper and steel)
MMM5469097 Analematic sundial (by projecting the shadow of the gnomon) for latitude 51 degrees, c.1697 (copper and steel); National Maritime Museum, London

Plan of Memel (present-day Klaipeda, Lithuania), during the surrender of the city, 27 June to 5 July 1757
MMM5482024 Plan of Memel (present-day Klaipeda, Lithuania), during the surrender of the city, 27 June to 5 July 1757. Etching water in 1764 colors.; National Maritime Museum, London

Astronomical compendium for unknown latitude, 17th century (brass)
MMM5475258 Astronomical compendium for unknown latitude, 17th century (brass); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Astronomical compendium for unknown latitude)

Portable horizontal sundial with magnetic compass Silver and ivory instrument, c.1650-1700 (silver and ivory)
MMM5474404 Portable horizontal sundial with magnetic compass Silver and ivory instrument, c.1650-1700 (silver and ivory); National Maritime Museum, London

Butterfield sundial Brass instrument, late 17th century, by Chapotot (?) (brass)
MMM5473359 Butterfield sundial Brass instrument, late 17th century, by Chapotot (?) (brass); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Butterfield sundial Brass instrument, late 17th century)

Latitude 42 degree sundial with lid Copper and paper instrument, 18th century (copper and paper)
MMM5473357 Latitude 42 degree sundial with lid Copper and paper instrument, 18th century (copper and paper); National Maritime Museum, London

Crossing board, an instrument used to easily record the speeds and directions sailed in 12 hours, c.1800 (wood)
MMM5470370 Crossing board, an instrument used to easily record the speeds and directions sailed in 12 hours, c.1800 (wood); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Crossing board)

Atlantic coasts of Europe, Norway to Finisterre, 1666 (vellum)
7340461 Atlantic coasts of Europe, Norway to Finisterre, 1666 (vellum) by Comberford, Nicholas (d.1673); 79x27 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

The battle off the Isle of Wight on 4 August, 1588, c.1590 (coloured engraving)
7340031 The battle off the Isle of Wight on 4 August, 1588, c.1590 (coloured engraving) by Adams, Robert (1540-95) (after); 38x50 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Map of the journey of the Israelites, since their exit from Egypt, 1739 (engraving)
8822197 Map of the journey of the Israelites, since their exit from Egypt, 1739 (engraving); Private Collection; (add.info)

Butterfield dial for latitude 40 degrees, with magnetic compass Silver instrument, 18th century (silver)
MMM5474088 Butterfield dial for latitude 40 degrees, with magnetic compass Silver instrument, 18th century (silver); National Maritime Museum, London

Latitude 49 degree sundial and magnetic compass, with lid, 17th century (copper and ivory)
MMM5470060 Latitude 49 degree sundial and magnetic compass, with lid, 17th century (copper and ivory); National Maritime Museum, London

Sundial with lid, with gnomon mounted on the circle of hours, c.1700 (brass)
MMM5475190 Sundial with lid, with gnomon mounted on the circle of hours, c.1700 (brass); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Sundial with lid)

Rhodes and Symi (Greek islands) facing the Turkish coast
MMM5474179 Rhodes and Symi (Greek islands) facing the Turkish coast; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Rhodes and Symi (Greek islands) facing the Turkish coast

The solar system.Theory of the seasons. 1865 (engraving)
8766902 The solar system.Theory of the seasons. 1865 (engraving); Private Collection; (add.info.: The solar system.Theory of the seasons.Engraved by J)

Windrose with compass, illustration from : " Die Welt in Bildern " (images of the world), published by Dr
UTD4921171 Windrose with compass, illustration from : " Die Welt in Bildern " (images of the world), published by Dr. Chr. G

Dover to Sandwich and Blacknerse to Gravelines - The Spanish Armada and the English Fleet off Calais, c
7340034 Dover to Sandwich and Blacknerse to Gravelines - The Spanish Armada and the English Fleet off Calais, c. 1590 (manuscript) by Adams, Robert (1540-95) (after); National Maritime Museum

Astronomical compendium (measurement kit) for 49° latitude, closed, top view, 1597 (brass)
MMM5474055 Astronomical compendium (measurement kit) for 49° latitude, closed, top view, 1597 (brass) by Ducher, Hans (fl.1574); National Maritime Museum, London

Plan of the Battle of Copenhagen (Denmark) (1801)
MMM5484862 Plan of the Battle of Copenhagen (Denmark) (1801); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Plan of the Battle of Copenhagen (Denmark) (1801)

Atlantic Ocean, 5 degrees south to 57 degrees north, 1650 (vellum)
7340456 Atlantic Ocean, 5 degrees south to 57 degrees north, 1650 (vellum) by Comberford, Nicholas (d.1673); 71x24 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Butterfield dial for latitudes 40 and 60 degrees, built around an acanthus decor, with magnetic compass
MMM5468978 Butterfield dial for latitudes 40 and 60 degrees, built around an acanthus decor, with magnetic compass, 18th century (silver copper and glass); National Maritime Museum, London

Compass rose, 1645 (engraving)
8698330 Compass rose, 1645 (engraving) by Blaeu, Joan (1596-1673); (add.info.: Science. Meteorology. Compass rose or wind rose. Engraving in: Le theatre du monde, atlas by G)

Map of the Coast of Flanders, Normandy and England, 1580-81 (engraving)
7415458 Map of the Coast of Flanders, Normandy and England, 1580-81 (engraving) by Doetecum, Joannes van (1530-1605); 32 -- 51.2 cm; Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Map of the English coast between the Isle of Wight and Dover, 1580-83 (engraving)
7415468 Map of the English coast between the Isle of Wight and Dover, 1580-83 (engraving) by Doetecum, Joannes van (1530-1605); 32.5 -- 51.0 cm; Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Map of the South England coast between the Isle of Wight and Dover, 1580-83 (engraving)
7415466 Map of the South England coast between the Isle of Wight and Dover, 1580-83 (engraving) by Doetecum, Joannes van (1530-1605); 32.5 -- 50.8 cm; Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Map part of the coast of Norway and Sweden, 1580-83 (engraving)
7415471 Map part of the coast of Norway and Sweden, 1580-83 (engraving) by Doetecum, Joannes van (1530-1605); 33-- 51.5 cm; Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Map of the coast of Norway and Sweden between Merdoy and Uddevalla, 1580-83 (engraving)
7415469 Map of the coast of Norway and Sweden between Merdoy and Uddevalla, 1580-83 (engraving) by Doetecum, Joannes van (1530-1605); 33 -- 51.5 cm; Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Map of the North coast of England near Newcastle upon Tyne, 1580-83 (engraving)
7415467 Map of the North coast of England near Newcastle upon Tyne, 1580-83 (engraving) by Doetecum, Joannes van (1530-1605); 33 -- 51.3 cm; Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Map of the countries around the Arctic Circle with the three voyages of the Dutch in 1598, 1878 (litho)
7415818 Map of the countries around the Arctic Circle with the three voyages of the Dutch in 1598, 1878 (litho) by Doetechum, Baptista van (active 1583-1611) (after) ; 43.5 x 56.5 cm; Rijksmuseum

Map of the coast of Sweden between Kalmar and Stockholm, 1580-83 (engraving)
7415470 Map of the coast of Sweden between Kalmar and Stockholm, 1580-83 (engraving) by Doetecum, Joannes van (1530-1605); 33 -- 50.7 cm; Rijksprentenkabinet, Amsterdam

Detail of A Map of the Sea (Carta marina) by Olaus Magnus (1490-1557), 1572 (engraving)
7394857 Detail of A Map of the Sea (Carta marina) by Olaus Magnus (1490-1557), 1572 (engraving) by Lafrery, Antoine (1512-77); Private Collection; (add.info)

Detail of A Map of the Sea (Carta marina) by Olaus Magnus (1490-1557), 1572 (engraving)
7394859 Detail of A Map of the Sea (Carta marina) by Olaus Magnus (1490-1557), 1572 (engraving) by Lafrery, Antoine (1512-77); Private Collection; (add.info)

Detail of A Map of the Sea (Carta marina) by Olaus Magnus (1490-1557), 1572 (engraving)
7394858 Detail of A Map of the Sea (Carta marina) by Olaus Magnus (1490-1557), 1572 (engraving) by Lafrery, Antoine (1512-77); Private Collection; (add.info)

Map of the Sea (Carta marina) by Olaus Magnus (1490-1557), 1572 (engraving)
7393830 Map of the Sea (Carta marina) by Olaus Magnus (1490-1557), 1572 (engraving) by Lafrery, Antoine (1512-77); Private Collection; (add.info)

Map of the West Indies, Caribbean Sea, Antilles, 1709-1713 (engraving)
VEN5030086 Map of the West Indies, Caribbean Sea, Antilles, 1709-1713 (engraving) by Keulen, Gerard van (1678-1726); Biblioteca Angelica, Rome

Imperial Eagle, 1833-39 (coloured engraving)
999058 Imperial Eagle, 1833-39 (coloured engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Dictionnaire pittoresque d histoire naturelle et des phenomAnes de la natureA)

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The Compass Card: Navigating the Seas of Discovery Step back in time and immerse yourself in the captivating world of exploration with the remarkable Compass Card. This extraordinary artifact, adorned with intricate engravings, unveils a treasure trove of knowledge about the coastlines that once shaped our understanding of the world. As we gaze upon these beautifully detailed maps, we are transported to an era when intrepid sailors braved uncharted waters and embarked on daring voyages. The Map of the Coast of Flanders, Normandy, and England from 1580-81 reveals a glimpse into their journeys along these historic shores. With each stroke of ink meticulously etched onto paper, this map becomes a testament to human curiosity and ambition. Moving further along our maritime adventure, we encounter maps depicting specific regions such as the English coast between Isle of Wight and Dover or South England's coastal stretch. These engravings from 1580-83 provide invaluable insights into navigation techniques employed during those times. They serve as windows into an age where seafarers relied on instruments like compasses to guide them through treacherous waters. Norway and Sweden also find their place within this collection; their coasts immortalized by skilled cartographers who sought to capture every detail for future generations. From Merdoy to Uddevalla or Kalmar to Stockholm - these maps offer glimpses into lands waiting to be explored. One cannot help but marvel at Olaus Magnus' Carta Marina from 1572 - a masterpiece that showcases not only his artistic prowess but also his deep understanding of marine geography. Its intricately engraved details reveal mythical creatures lurking beneath ocean waves while providing vital information for sailors navigating unfamiliar territories. Intriguingly enough, another map features Arctic Circle countries alongside Dutch voyages in 1598 - a testament to mankind's relentless pursuit of discovery even amidst harsh conditions.