A rare Major Bosworth's Patent Sketching board, made by J. H. Steward Ltd of London between 1897-1910. Marked 'Major Bosworth's Patent' and 'J. H. Steward, 457 West Strand, London', the board is well made, of high quality wood and brass, and features a leather wrist strap on the rear. The patent (No. GB189709492) for the J. H. Steward/W. J. Bosworth board was filed in 1897, so it was made after that date, but before 1910, when it had become known as 'Colonel Bosworth's'. The Bosworth board featured in the 1910 edition of the Steward Military catalogue, but was not included in the 1916 edition, so it looks like production had ceased by 1915. Two versions were listed in the 1910 Military catalogue - this one was 'Designed for use on a bicycle or motor car'. It's most distinctive feature was that it had a removable compass, held in place by a brass bar and knurled nut on the rear of the board. The compass could be removed if it was affected by the metal components of the bicycle or car. This board no longer has the compass that would have accompanied it.
The Bosworth board was a variant of the 'Cavalry Sketching Board'. Various other designs of Cavalry sketching board were being produced around this time, including those by Lt-Col. Willoughby Verner, Aston & Mander, and Houghton's, but the Bosworth type is much less common.
The Cavalry Sketching Board: was originally designed by Colonel W. H. Richards, who taught military surveying at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst c.1880. The board was improved by Major Willoughby Verner who was also briefly Professor of Topography at Sandhurst. Verner patented his own improvements in 1887 and 1891 and the board became known as Verner's. W. J. Bosworth patented further improvements in 1897, and versions of the board remained in use until around 1930.
Cavalry Sketching Boards were designed to be strapped to the arm of a cavalryman on the bridle arm. The board was attached to the arm by a leather strap with a swivel joint. This enabled the user to twist the whole board on their arm to align the compass accurately. The board incorporated a compass for taking bearings, and the sketch was made on a paper roll which was wound around one of the side rollers. As a sketch was completed, the paper roll was advanced to supply more paper. During WW1 the sketching board was often used by pilots and observers of the Royal Flying Corps to make sketches of enemy positions and trenches.
J. H. Steward Ltd: James Henry Steward established his business in London in 1852. As a maker and retailer of optical, scientific, military and surveying instruments. J.H. Steward was the head optician of the company and had businesses at 406 Strand, 457 West Strand and 54 Cornhill in London. In the mid 1800s he became the optician to Her Majesty's Government and the National Rifle, and National Artillery Associations. James Henry Steward died in 1896. J. H. Steward Ltd was incorporated in 1912 and continued in business until the middle of the 20th century.
Condition:
In very good condition, with general signs of use and a few marks. There is some wear to the leather wrist strap.
Dimensions : Board: 200mm x 215mm
