Backstaff

Description:

The frame of this instrument is rosewood, while the arcs, cross bar, and sights are boxwood. The boxwood inset is inscribed "Made.by.John.Holbeche.for Capt Joseph.Swan.1738." John Holbeche advertised an Instrument Maker & Ship-Chandler at the Corner of the Hermitage in London.

Ref: Gloria Clifton, Directory of British Scientific Instrument Makers 1550-1851 (London, 1995), p. 138.

Date Made: 1738

Maker: John Holbeche

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United Kingdom: England, London

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Physical Sciences, Navigation, Measuring & Mapping

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: PH.318439Catalog Number: 318439Accession Number: 234475

Object Name: Backstaff

Measurements: overall: 25 in; 63.5 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746aa-4696-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_1187987

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