case for Bird astronomical quadrant
Date: circa 1764
Inventory Number: 5004c
Classification: Astronomical quadrant
Subject:
Maker: John Bird (1709 - 1776)
User: Students' Astronomical Laboratory, Harvard University (1903 - c. 1953)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
98 x 63 x 31.3 cm (38 9/16 x 24 13/16 x 12 5/16 in.)
Material:
Accessories: contains a sealed envelope of small parts
Description:
Keystone-shaped case to hold the astronomical quadrant by John Bird (5004a).
Signedunsigned
Historical AttributesThe astronomical quadrant was found in the Astronomy Laboratory on Jarvis Street in Cambridge by David Wheatland, and was removed from there in 1950, when the building was to be demolished to make way for Harkness Commons of the Harvard Law School.
It might have been used to teach astronomy and navigation by Professor Wilson in the 1920s in that lab.
It might have been used to teach astronomy and navigation by Professor Wilson in the 1920s in that lab.
Curatorial RemarksNeeds conservation -- insect damage
