Description:
- Object ID: ALSA 2016.05.02
- Made by: Short and Mason, London, England
- Model: Unknown
- Serial Number: Unknown
- Date Made: Prior to the 1950’s
- Approximate size: 13.5 cm (in diameter) X 1.5 cm (thick)
- Accessories: Staff, brown leather case with long strap.
- Condition: Good
Commentary:
This compass was also called a staff compass as it is supported by a staff, not a tripod. The image shows the top part of the staff, the strap of the carrying case, and a white commentary tag which reads “STAFF COMPASS Made by Short and Mason, London, England. Used by the British Columbia Forest Service in the 1950’s. Donated by Ken G. Moyer, Chase B.C. 2016.”
This was the type of compass used the British Columbia Forest Service when Ken Moyer worked for them from 1956 to 1960. Ken also worked for Alberta land survey companies from 1964 to 1981 as a draftsman and calculator.
The light brown wooden staff is 140 cm long and is about 3.5 cm in diameter. The top end of the staff has a brass connector that attaches to the compass..
Source of Object: Donated by Ken Moyer.
Notes: The Society has only one in their collection.
References: Visit article Not Quite Redundant – The Surveyor’s Compass for additional information.
Description by: Ed Titanich, October 2, 2024 and Gordon Olsson, November 6, 2025.