The Scottish Mountain Heritage Collection
1036.2012.1
Silva Compass
07/11/2012
H
07/11/2012
Silva baseplate compass in homemade pouch
plastic, metal
10(l) x 5(w) cms
1
"SILVA" and fir tree logo "MADE IN SWEDEN A.B. BROD KJELLSTROM STOCKHOLM SWEDEN " on base
silver
Silva
Sweden
This is a pretty old Silva Compass which we think dates back to the 1960's, or maybe earlier. It once belonged to MIck Tighe's mountain guiding company, Nevis Guides and was superceded by better versions.
Swedish instrument maker, Gunnar Tillander, created the first 'baseplate' compass back in 1928 when he combined a protractor and an ordinary compass into one unit and decided to call it Silva - meaning wood - after his native forests in which he spent a lot of time orienteering.
This version is not liquid filled like later versions which means the needle wobbles about and is often damaged in transit as a result.
The little blue case was one of several made by one of Mick's clients to protect the compass when rattling around in the top of a rucksack.
Donated by Mick Tighe
07/11/2012
07/11/2012
Spectrum : UK Museum documentation standard, V.3.1 2007
07/11/2012