• Alexander Mathieson & Sons (instrument makers)

Pocket-sized pillar compass in a case

second half of the 19th century

Instrument manufactured from metal, with leather case

artefact (closed; irreg.): 3.1 x 9.2 x 1.2 cm (1 1/4 x 3 5/8 x 1/2 in.) case (closed; irreg.): 3.7 x 10.1 x 2 cm (1 7/16 x 4 x 13/16 in.)

DR1986:0103

- Folding pillar compass with reversible points, in a hinged red and brown leather case. The leather is abraided on the bottom and rim of the case, and part of the hinge has cracked, making it difficult to close. The interior is lined with blue satin on the lid and blue velvet on the bottom.

imprinted - on case, in gold ink on blue satin, c.: "ALEXR MATHIESON & SON / TRADE [logo] MARK / 23 COCKBURN STREET / EDINBURGH" inscribed - on the instrument, by an unknown hand, engraved in the metal, on upper leg, c.: "MATHIESON [logo] EDINBURGH"

• architecture

• case
• pillar compass