Backstaff
Clark Elliott
(1729–1793)
1765
Object PlaceNew London, Connecticut
Medium/TechniqueRosewood, boxwood, walnut, ivory
DimensionsOverall: 59.1 x 35.6 x 12.7 cm (23 1/4 x 14 x 5 in.)
Credit LineGift of The Seminarians
Accession number1993.533
On View
On viewClassificationsInstruments
Collections
The backstaff or Davis quadrant, used to observe the altitude of the sun at sea, was an important navigational instrument, often made of tropical hardwoods. The ivory nameplate indicates that Elliott, a well-known maker of navigational instruments, made this backstaff. The original owner's name has been effaced, a customary practice as instruments often changed ownership.
