could this be a compass ??

[seismosaurus]

last year I found in Austria near Salzburg something which first I thought it was a watch (as they used to carry on a chain)
But there was no real clockwork inside, just an centerpin.
the plate on the inside is marked with a big star en many small ones.
The backside is unfortunately missing.
The diameter is about 5 cm

after a while I am more thinking it is an old compass, could be from the Napoleon time, because as the story goes that they camped there in the fields and we did find several small long distance horse-shoes.

anyone with a suggestion what this could be ??

 

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[UncleVinnys]

That would be my guess too, that it's a compass.
All the elements are there - the glass magnifier/cover,
the star rose for estimating degrees, the pivot point for
the magnet balance, etc.

http://www.indiamart.com/onyxinternational/pcat-gifs/products-small/compass.jpg

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

I have never heard of a six-pointed compass rose in any time period or cuture.

I'm thinking an ossuary for a religious relic or a locket for snip of a loved one's hair.

 

[Ramitt]

Got to agree with Charlie, though I can see why a compass comes to mind, it does not look functional. Be interesting to see what someone smarter than I comes up with. Interesting ind none the less.

 

[kiddrock33]

6 points divide into 360 giving 60 degree increments. i just read about a six pointed compass. it was ancient ill have to see if i can locate that article. matt

 

[seismosaurus]

I've been really searching for a 6 pointed compass, but without any results. If somebody could help me with any keywords into that direction it is much appreciated.

 

[Rob66]

Could it be a sun watch
RD

 

[Bridge End Farm]

very nice find

 

[Mackaydon]

"Those familiar with Southwestern ethnology will remember that the Pueblo Indians recognize six points of the compass instead of four"... N,S. E. and W AND " the zenith and the nadir; and the six estufas are dedicated to these six points." (Estufas are Indian temples).
http://books.google.com/books?id=e0...GChJyru&sig=zabfhLKdBGMGVygMlXgLmzgVBSM&hl=en

 

[Montana Jim]

maybe it's just a balance/level bubble thinggy.

 

[seismosaurus]

seismo...what are 'long distance horse-shoes'

How to explane .. without a picture, because I left them to the farmer.
I've been searching on the internet but could not find a picture.

The story I got from the farmer was that an army from Napoleon has been camping on his fields close to the forrest. They were using a small type of horses and the horseshoes for these horses were a bit smaller than a usual horseshoe (yes , I know you have them in all sizes :-) )
Main thing is that the shape of the horseshoe is different, more iron on the inside, special on the frontside. So instead of a strip , nearly a massive plate with just a hole in the middle towards the back.

mmmmm.... not impressed by my own explanation ........but you have to live with it


all the others thanks for the stories and suggestions

 

[Montana Jim]

seismo...what are 'long distance horse-shoes'

How to explane .. without a picture, because I left them to the farmer.
I've been searching on the internet but could not find a picture.

The story I got from the farmer was that an army from Napoleon has been camping on his fields close to the forrest. They were using a small type of horses and the horseshoes for these horses were a bit smaller than a usual horseshoe (yes , I know you have them in all sizes :-) )
Main thing is that the shape of the horseshoe is different, more iron on the inside, special on the frontside. So instead of a strip , nearly a massive plate with just a hole in the middle towards the back.

mmmmm.... not impressed by my own explanation ........but you have to live with it


all the others thanks for the stories and suggestions

So basically... instead of just the outter hoof edge being shod to the white line, there was a large piece also covering the hoof wall, sole, bar, and frog... like a big plate? Long distance meaning it lasted longer?

 

[seismosaurus]

Yes , thats what I think.
A bigger plate, I am not sure if it lasted longer ..
My point a view thats more to do with the thickness off the plate.
I think that it is more the plate shape what is giving more protection.