Repro ID: D4504
Title: A back staff, c. 1700.
Description: The back staff was first described in 1595 by the navigator John Davis and became one of the principle instruments of navigation. It remained in common use until after the development of the octant in the 1730s. The measurement is taken by casting the shadow of the Sun onto the degree scale. It is designed to be used facing away from the Sun, saving the observer from having to look directly at it. They are usually made of wood allowing them to be made relatively quickly and cheaply. This rare example, however, made by Thomas Tuttell around 1700, is made from highly decorated ivory. It was probably a part of a gentleman's presentation set rather than for use on board ship. As well as being an instrument maker Tuttell was made Hydrographer to the King in 1700. This appointment was to prove fatal; he was drowned in January 1702 while making a survey of the River Thames.
Creator: Thomas Tuttell
Date: c. 1700
Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London
