Context (Production / use)
John Davis of Windsor was a multi-generational family business of locksmiths, notable for their services in this regard to the nearby royalty of Windsor Castle. As well as locksmithing, they also worked as blacksmiths, ironmongers, clockmakers and bellhangers. The first John Davis (1650-1713) made and hung the chiming clock in the Curfew Tower of Windsor Castle in 1689 (Windsor Local History Publications Group. n.d.: 2-3). He also made various scientific instruments, including a wooden waywizer now held in the Windsor & Royal Borough Museum (WNDRB : 11.51). His son (1690-1762) and grandson (1722-1801) were both also named John Davis, which makes the dating of this particular object somewhat difficult. However, given the 17th century date given on the catalogue card, and that John Davis I was know to have produced other distance-measuring instruments, it is probable that it was he who also made this particular object.
Event Date
Author: David Kay

Description (Inscription)
The internal instrument face is inscribed with 'John Davis WINDSOR', whilst the three measurement rings are inscribed 'Poles' (0-40), 'Furlongs' (0-8) and 'Miles' (0-20), from outer to inner respectively.
Event Date
Author: David Kay

Context (References)
Windsor Local History Publications Group (n.d.) 'Davis of Windsor' Windlesora, 9: 2-3
Event Date
Author: maa

Description (Physical description)
Catalogue card: 'Instrument for measuring distances.'
Event Date
Author: maa

Description (Physical description)
Mechanical odometer for measuring distances. Comprises a rectangular iron box with a hinged lid and catch, protruding loops on two sides, and a winding handle inserted through a hole in a third side. Opening the lid reveals a rectangular brass plate with foliate decoration and the inscription 'John Davis WINDSOR', over which is set a three-part circular face with measurements for Poles, Furlongs and Miles, in the centre of which is a three-part revolving set of arms.
Event Date 18/2/2019
Author: David Kay