Objects Database

Mirror Sighting Compass

Accession Number

1011.2012.1

Object Name

Mirror Sighting Compass

Created

26/09/2012

Creator

Hermione Cooper

Accession Date

26/09/2012

Brief Description

Base plate compass with hinged mirrored lid and carrying cord.

Materials

plastic, metal

Dimensions

10(l) x 7(w) cms

Number Of Objects

1

Inscription Description

On lid "MADE BY SILVA STOCKHOLM 60 SWEDEN " and the Silva trademark of a fir tree with "SILVA" below.
On baseplate "TYPE 15T THE RANGER"

Colour

clear and black and silver

Maker

Silva

Object Production Place

Sweden

Provenance

Having created/invented the first base plate (orienteering) compass in 1928, Swedish orienteer Gunnar Tillander formed the Silva company in 1932 with fellow Swedes:Alvar Alvid and Bjorn Kjellstrom - Silva is latin for wood/trees and because Tillander spent a lot of time orienteering in the forests the name seemed appropriate.
The first mirror sight version of the compass came out in 1939 and it's a later version - 1970's - that we have here in the collection. Well used by Mick Tighe's mountain guiding outfit, Nevis Guides,it was retired in the 1990's and ultimately found its way into the collection.

Acquisition Method

Donated by Mick Tighe

Acquisition Date

26/09/2012

Condition Check Date

26/09/2012

Rules

Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007

Modified

26/09/2012

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