K. Hattori Content - Compass set?

[bbilford83]

Hi all,

I regularly search Yahoo Japan for the term "K. Hattori" just to see whatever random non-watch stuff they made before they became Seiko. It's how I found this neat altimeter, among other things. Obviously it's not a set of compasses as in orienteering, but I assume it's meant to help with drawing circles, akin to the compasses I remember using as a kid. But the kit looks nothing like those, and I have no idea how to use them. Anyone more familiar with what these might be or how to test them out? I can remove the individual pieces from the parts they go into, if that makes any sense, by unscrewing the little circles that hold them in. Even if I can't figure them out, I was the only bidder at 1000 yen, or about $10, so they're pretty neat regardless. Anyway, pics:

[bombora]

Hattori made some really nice tools and instruments.  
Did you also get the surveyors level from a while back?

[aladinsane]

It appears the upper block in your photo of the tools in the box may be the pivot point in the compass. There should be a way to connect the two blocks together, but it is not obvious from the photos how to do that.

[russtmurray]

Very cool. Hope you can figure out how they're used.  I'd love to provide some assistance but I struggle with Kenner's Spirograph so it's doubtful I could help

[bbilford83]

Thanks all!  Someone on TOF figured it out, I think - it looks to be part of something called a "beam compass" where you attach two of the pieces to a ruler or long beam and then use it to make large circles.  So that's why they're not hinged like the small compasses I used to use in grade school.  I won't go looking for the beam since I obviously won't ever use it - it's still a neat bit of history.

Nov 8, 2019 3:31:53 GMT -8 bombora said:

Hattori made some really nice tools and instruments.  
Did you also get the surveyors level from a while back?

No, but I saw that - very cool.  For whatever reason the bidding agent I use (Jauce) won't let me go after a lot of the bigger gear.  Probably a blessing given the shipping costs.