Backstaff

3D Model

Backstaff is a navigational instrument primarily used in the 18th century. It is the first type of the instrument to observe the position of the Sun without looking directly at it.

The backstaff was invented by John Davis, who was an English sailor and explorer. He described the instrument in his book The Seaman’s Secrets published in 1595. Later, backstaffs were supplanted by John Hadley’s new invention, the octant, and then by the sextant.

Inventory number: 17528; 2341/V

Physical object made by: Benjamin Macy (London, 1717)

Localisation of the physical object: Jagiellonian University Museum Collegium Maius, Kraków, Poland

Digitalisation: Regional Digitalisation Lab, Małopolska Institute of Culture in Kraków, Poland; “Virtual Museums of Małopolska” project

For more images and further information, visit: https://muzea.malopolska.pl/en/objects-list/2785