Name/Title
CompassEntry/Object ID
1993.2.42Description
Iron compass with one pointed leg, other leg is bent at a sharp angle.
From "The Dictionary of Leather-Working Tools c. 1700-1950" by R.A. Salaman, p. 268-269:
A wing compass, c. 6-7 in (15.2-17.7 cm) long, usually of the 'Lancashire' type with one leg pointed at the foot (the pivot), the other foot made in the form of a race blade. A wing, which is either solid or slotted, enables the legs to be held in position by means of a turnscrew.
The leg with pointed foot is normally bent out of line so that the point comes directly opposite the cutting edge of the race foot. This is an attempt to keep the pivot leg more vertical when cutting circles. . .
(A variant has brass thumb-plate fitted halfway down the 'race' leg to provide a flat surfaceon which to press the blade into leather; another is provided with different sized race cutters which can be inserted into a socket provided at the foot)
The compass racer is used for taking out a narrow strip on the grain side at a desired distance from an edge or in a circle.Dimensions
Height
5-1/2 inWidth
1-1/2 inDepth
7/8 inRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
McClay, Albert and JohnProvenance
Notes
Object owned and used by John McClay, circa 1854 and his son, Albert McClay, circa 1908-1977. Object donated, in 1993, by Wayne Cunningham, son-in-law to Albert McClay.