Compass. 19th-20th centuries

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Compass. 19th-20th centuries

Compass. 19th-20th centuries. Museum of History and Navigation. Riga. Latvia

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 14330762

© Thaliastock / Mary Evans

Cardinal Compass Directions Instrument Latvia Latvian Magnetic Navigation Orientation Riga

EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph showcases an antique compass, a cherished artifact housed in the Museum of History and Navigation in Riga, Latvia. Dating back to the 19th century, this intricately designed instrument was a vital tool for mariners and explorers during the European Age of Discovery. The compass, with its distinctive cardinal directions - North, South, East, and West - is a testament to the human quest for orientation and exploration. The dial, adorned with a delicate silver pointer, is surrounded by a richly decorated casing, with engravings of intricate designs and compass roses. The magnetic needle, which once pointed to the magnetic north, has long since lost its magnetism, but its historical significance remains undiminished. The compass was an essential instrument for navigators in the pre-GPS era, providing direction and orientation in the vast expanse of the open sea. Its use was not limited to maritime exploration; it was also used by surveyors, cartographers, and military personnel. The Museum of History and Navigation in Riga preserves and showcases a vast collection of navigational instruments, including this beautiful 19th-century compass. A visit to this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich maritime history of Europe and the vital role that Latvia played in it. This photograph is a reminder of the past, a tribute to the ingenuity of those who came before us, and a reminder of the enduring allure of the sea and the mysteries it holds.

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