The central component of the set has two inset compasses on a base decorated with strapwork, beneath which is a wooden filling. Three concentric circular scales on the disc have the same primary divisions but are differently numbered. The outermost is 0 to 48, divided to 1, subdivided to 1/2 and to 1/4, numbered by 1; the middle 0 to 24, similarly divided and numbered; the innermost 0 to 12 twice, similarly divided and numbered. The four cardinal directions are marked 'MITTAG', 'NIDERGANG', 'MITNACHT' and 'AVFGANG'.A simple tapering pointer fits the disc, running from the centre to the edge, and then extends to a universal pivot for an eye to attach a line. An alternative attachment incorporates a pointer, a plumb-line and a vertical semicircle: a pillar rises from the centre, with an index at its base, and three arms extending from supports on the pillar, the outer two carrying a vertical arc of 120 degrees, the central one an index moving over this arc with a hook at the end for a line. The arc has a scale between the vertical points, 12 to 0 to 12, divided to 1, subdivided to 1/2 and to 1/4, numbered by 1. At the top of the pillar is a finial and a suspension for a plumb-line hanging between two rings and extending to a target, all supported from the pillar.
There is a smaller horizontal disc, with divisions similar to the larger one, and the cardinal directions similarly marked, with an index arm. There is a disc with a centrally pivoted arm for calculating or plotting, with circular scales divided similarly to the other two. There is a brass lantern, probably for a candle, with a pivoted attachment for a line, and a smaller lantern. There is a triangular plumb-line frame with hooks on the base of the triangle, for suspending from a line, and a turned brass bob for a plumb-line.
A fitted case is covered with brown leather, with decorative gold tooling; the interior is lined with chamois leather.
Jim Bennett