Brass reduction compass given by Mordente to Maximillian II, whose crest appears on the points attached to cursors. Inscription along inner edges of each leg. Flat circular hinge has steel screw through center that extends into a compass point on under side. On under side, screw passes through brass washer with shank fitted for groove in the center hole. Brass nut with arch to facilitate turning is on upper threaded end of screw, Each of the slotted legs has a pin hole on the inner limb. There is a line drawn across each leg, equidistant from the center of the hinge. Cursors each have nut shaped like an arch. Screw on one is brass, other steel. Steel spring plate between nut and lower plate helps cursor slide more freely along the slot. Points attached to cursor each have half of the crest. These and points at ends of legs are scroll-cut, with steel tips. Points at ends have vertical slots. By reversing hinge screw, nad cursors, this compass could be used for triangular sighting in surveying.
