Prismatic Compass and Case

This compass was used by George Woodroofe Goyder who began work with the Lands & Survey Dept in Adelaide in January 1851. He was First Assistant Surveyor General to S G Freeling before becoming Surveyor General in 1861. He held this position for 33 years. Goyder is probably best remembered for the 'Line of Rainfall' he drew across South Australia, with recommendations for agricultural restrictions beyond (north) of the line. This compass symbolises the imprtant role that surveyors and surveying played in the establishment of the colony in its early years. This object was donated to the Art Gallery of South Australia by Mrs G. W. Goyder, and was later transferred to the History Trust of South Australia.
a) A small prismatic compass in black enamelled casing. The green compass disc can only be seen through a small glass face (2.2cm diameter). It is difficult to ascertain the maker or other details without taking the casing apart.
b) A natural tanned leather case - all stitching appears to be by machine. A leather keeper at the base is stitched into the side seaming. The 2 egg-shaped side pieces are connected by a wide leather band that continues around to form a lid with another 2 half egg shapes. On each side of this band is stitched a narrow strap, one ending in a buckle & the other having 3 punched tongue holes. These straps have another 3 keepers attached to them. The inner base & band of the lid are lined in dark red velvet. The case is in very good condition, almost appears to be too new for the compass.