Mariner’s Compass

Mariner’s compass composed of two parts – the compass itself inside the boxwood case and the lid. It may be a Portuguese invention but requires further research. This small compass is mounted in a turned wooden box. The card is probably hand-painted and is marked with the 32 points. The north point is decorated and the east point with a cross indicating Jerusalem. The other cardinal and semi-cardinal points are marked G, L, S, O, P and M.