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COMPASSES Page 1 (FOR SALE)

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Prismatic compass by F Barker & Son London
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This is a pre WW2 Artillery compass made by F Barker & Son. A precision instrument, it's in very good condition with the body retaining most of its original oxidised black finish, and is engraved F Barker & Son (1932) Ltd. 1936 No B. 11, along with the military arrow.
A prismatic compass in full working order, it comes with its own fitted leather case which is also in sound condition. Not only a collectors piece, but a practical compass for use today.

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£130
SC803
Free
£10

Educational prismatic desk compass by F Barker & Son
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This is a 20th century prismatic compass possibly used for educational purposes, with a green aluminium dial set within a circular wooden case. Measuring just under 100mm in overall diameter, the prism and rear sights can be removed for transit & can be vertically adjusted for focusing. There is also a finger push stop, plus a screw operated transit lock, and the dial pivots on a jewel producing a consistent reading, finding North quickly with minimal lag before settling. No makers name on the dial but almost certainly made by Francis Barker & Son, a decorative desk item with a practical use.

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£60
SC798
Free
£7


Victorian open faced brass pocket compass

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This is a 19th century open faced pocket compass set in a brass case measuring 33mm in diameter. The distinctive dial dates the compass to around 1875 although the main cardinal points appear to have had some sort of luminous compound added, probably at a later date. Frustratingly, there are faint letters around the pivot, but these have faded and its impossible to make out who the maker was, but the dial is in otherwise very clean condition. It has a manual transit lock activated by a sliding knob on the side, and the dial has a jewelled pivot. A very collectable compass in good working order.
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£85
SC799
Free
£7

Vintage leather cased pocket compass with integral sight vanes
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This is a quite unusual pocket compass with integral folding sight vanes and housed in a two part leather case. This is a precision compass and has a blued steel needle with  a jewelled pivot, set over an aluminium 2 tier dial with a 360 degree upper scale. Its likely this was made in the first half of the 20th century, probably for a surveyor and is in fine working order, including  a manual transit lock and a nickel plated top cover lid for added protection. Measures 60mm diameter and 20mm in depth, a quite unique style of compass which although unsigned is a quality item.

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£95
SC784
Free
£10

Georgian mahogany cased pocket compass
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Impressive Georgian compass circa 1825 ,set in a hinged mahogany block 3"square. The compass has a shapely blued steel needle engraved N & S in gold lettering for clarity, with a paper compass rose divided into degrees and also showing all the points of the compass with a fleur de lys for North.
The needle is locked in position for transit  by a brass pin which comes into play when the lid is closed. Fastened with an elegant 7 shaped brass clasp, this is in relatively clean condition for a compass which is over 180 years old,  albeit with some age staining on the paper dial. Every thing is in working order, and retains the original undamaged glass, a genuine antique compass with a traditional design.


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£160
SC791
Free
£7

Victorian prismatic compass by C Owen London.
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Black lacquered brass, Green card prismatic compass by C Owen Optician, 46 & 48 City Rd, London. The folding front sight locks the compass card for transit, and the rear prism sight allows for focusing the front sight and objective, which locks down by means of a brass strap. Measures just under 3" in diameter and comes with its original leather case (in good condition but no straps) monogrammed with the initials E.G. which are also engraved on the compass reverse. Dates to the second half of the 19th century, circa 1860, a nice Victorian compass by a quality London maker, in working order.

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£105
SC734
Free
£10

Negretti & Zambra London, pocket compass
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A nice example of a Hunter cased pocket compass by Negretti & Zambra, which dates to the early part of the 20th century, and quite similar in style to the WW1 British Army Officers compasses. Fitted with a jewelled English cross bar needle above an attractive dial, it has 'Negretti & Zambra London ' engraved on the opening lid, along with the N&Z logo, although some of the letters are now a little faint. This is a rare compass by N & Z, which is in good condition, but with several small dints on the lid. However, everything is in working order including the lid activated transit lock, and the glass crystal is chip free, measures 45mm in diameter.
A very collectable compass by probably the most renowned firm of instrument makers.

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SOLD
SC800

Military style open faced pocket compass
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Unsigned military style open faced pocket compass with a distinctive black & white jewelled pivot dial under a bevelled glass crystal.
Dating from the WW2 period, originally the case outer would have been blackened brass, but this one has been highly polished, and looks quite impressive, with only light rubbing in places.
This elegant slim compass is in good condition and measures 45mm diameter by 7mm in height. In full working order, it comes in a modern presentation box.

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SOLD
SC794

Gimbaled boat compass circa 1825
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This is an impressive Georgian gimbaled marine compass dating to around 1825. The bowl and gimbal are of lacquered brass construction and housed in its original mahogany box with sliding lid. 
The dry card has 32 cardinal & inter cardinal points with a large Fleur de lis for North. Although unsigned its in very good condition, and displays very well, particularly in an upright position. The box dimensions are 5 " square by 3" deep, and the compass dial diameter is just over 3".

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SOLD
SC795

Short & Mason singers patent style pocket compass
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A fine condition pocket watch compass, engraved Short & Mason Ltd London, V. Although made to the same specification as its military counterpart used during WW1, this one does not have the War department arrow, as it was made prior to WW1 probably around 1910.
There are not many pre WW1 Mark V compasses which makes this particular one quite a rare piece, and it's in very good condition with a clean Singers patent style dial & damage free crystal. the nickel plated case is also in a nice bright condition.
In full working order, with a strong hinge and a functional transit lock, a fine compass from one of the rarer makers.

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SOLD
SC783
   

WW1 Verner's style army marching compass

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WW1 Verner's style prismatic marching compass with leather case, although unsigned it carries the military arrow on the underside and dates to around 1916. The design is identical to the MKVII model with the traditional mother of pearl dial, for low light reading, and as can be seen from the photos is in very good condition, retaining all of its original black finish on the lid, and also the anti slip rubber ring on the reverse.
In full working order it has a nice strong hinge with a brass knob on the side for transit locking of dial. The tan coloured leather flap case is designed to be attached to a belt, and although not in pristine condition, is quite sound with all stitching intact.

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SC781
   

19th century brass pocket compass in modern case
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An unsigned Georgian gilded brass pocket compass , circa 1825. The white enamelled dial is in fine condition and has a shapely blued steel needle engraved N & S for clarity, all set under its original bevelled crystal. Although the gilded brass case has lost some of its original gilding its still in a very presentable condition.
Measuring 42mm in diameter not including the bow, the compass is in working order and finds North quite easily.
Please note the compass comes in a modern green satin lined presentation box.
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SOLD
SC772
   

English cross bar needle pocket compass Lennie Edinburgh
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Nice example of an Edwardian brass cased pocket compass with an English cross bar needle on a jewelled pivot, and signed E Lennie McCall, Optcian Edinburgh. 
Dating to around 1910, its in good clean condition with a later replacement bow ring, and undamaged crystal. The brass case is also in good condition with a warm patination, and is dent free.
Measuring 40mm diameter, this is a sturdy yet attractive compass in working order, and finds North easily (on this compass the cross bar on the needle indicates South).

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SOLD
SC780
   

WW2 Angle of Sight instrument by F Barker
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This is called an 'Angle of Sight' instrument, and made by F Barker during the early 1940's. A precision instrument which incorporates a prismatic compass, consisting of a green card dial with Fleur de Lis North pointer, and a clinometer visible in the vertical plane. A precision instrument, it's in really good condition, the body retaining all of its original oxidised black finish, and is engraved F Barker & Son (1932) Ltd. No 733/44. Comes with its own fitted leather case which is also in very good condition.
In full working order, this particular instrument came from a military base on the island of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides, and was amongst a collection of 'items not required' when the Air Traffic Control Tower was demolished in 1994. Up to 2500 military personnel were stationed on the Island during WW2 , including the 418 squadron and a U-boat attack squadron.

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SOLD
SC773
   

Swiss made open face pocket compass
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Elegant Swiss made open face pocket compass with side action needle lock. Very slim in construction the dial design is similar to both Dennison and Swiss Longines types. Measuring 38mm diameter overall, with a jewelled pivot, and housed in a dent free nickel plated case with glass crystal, a quality piece in very good condition, that I suspect is quite unique in its own way. Dating to around 1920, it is in full working order.

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SOLD
SC768
   

Full hunter cased Dennison pocket compass 1918
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A fine Officers style pocket watch compass, in a nickel plated Dennison case, stamped Dennison Birmingham VI 1918 on the outside of the lid. The inside of the lid has the serial no 199782W engraved.
This particular compass does not have the military arrow which suggests it was made just after the end of WW1 and may have been a private purchase for civilian use, but it's made to the same high specification as its military issued counterpart.
The nickel plated hunter case is in excellent condition, with all its original nickel plating, and the bevelled glass crystal covers an attractive jeweled aluminium dial.
In full working order, a very clean compass with a strong hinge and a functional transit lock.

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SOLD
SC774
   


Mahogany cased compass & clinometer, Flatters & Garnett Manchester
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This is an unusual pocket compass which incorporates a clinometer arm, set in a very attractive mahogany case, with two elegant brass fasteners. A quite unusual design, the aluminium dial has an upper 360 degree graduated scale for compass readings, whilst the lower scale is for the clinometer function. Made by Flatters & Garnett who specialised in entemological equipment and were operating from the Dover St address between 1906 and 1909, it carries their trade label inside the lid.
Measuring 70mm square & 23mm deep, this compass is in very good condition, and is fully functional with an automatic needle transit lock..
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SOLD
SC775
   
 

WW1  MKV officers pocket compass by Sherwood & Co London
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A superb WW1 military pocket watch compass, engraved Sherwood & Co London, V, No 62058, 1916. Unusually, the engraving is on the base of the compass and it also has the military arrow denoting it was War department issue. The nickel plated case is in good dent free condition, although the lid has rubbed in places revealing the original brass substrate (see photos). The bevelled glass crystal covers an attractive jeweled dry card Singers Patent style black & white dial.
Compasses by this maker are very scarce and this is a fine example which is in full working order,  with a strong hinge and a functional transit lock..

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SOLD
SC766
   

Negretti & Zambra pocket compass with chain
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Pocket compasses by Negretti & Zambra do not turn up too often, and its been sometime since I've had one in such good condition. It dates to the end of the 19th century, and is a really handsome piece, fitted with a jewelled English bar needle above an attractive dial, it has Negretti & Zambra London printed on a small circular overlay around the pivot. It also comes with a single Albert chain & T bar measuring just over 10" in length.
In full working order including the lid activated transit lock, the nickel plated case is dent free and has a strong hinge.
A rare compass by probably one of the most renowned firm of instrument makers.


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SOLD
SC763
   

Early 19th century mahogany cased pocket compass
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A rare Regency period mahogany cased Mariners compass measuring just over 60mm square. The attractive paper compass dial card is of a very early design and in surprisingly clean condition. Dating to between 1800 - 1820 and complimented by the small triangular hand made hinges, a clean compass which is probably approaching 200 years old. In good condition and in full working order, including the original transit lock, a nice example of a very early antique compass.
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SOLD
SC746
   


French pocket watch style night compass
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A small nickel plated pocket compass of French origin, note the ' O ' (Ouest) for West. Made in the first half of the 20th century, this is a night compass, with a luminous tip on the needle and also luminous dots on the four main cardinal points, with North having a double dot for easy orientation in the dark. The aluminium dial  has an upper chapter ring scaled from 0 to 360 degrees, and the needle pivots on a jewel for reduced friction. Although only 40mm diameter, it has a good substantial feel to it and is in really good condition as can be seen from the photos. A quite unusual design, it's in full working order including the transit lock, and comes with its original cloth pouch.

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SOLD
SC739
   

Vintage English hunter cased pocket compass
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Vintage English made Hunter cased pocket compass, with an English cross bar needle on a jewelled pivot above an aluminium dial, covered by a domed bevelled crystal which is in good undamaged condition. Imprinted 'Made in England' around the centre of the dial, the nickel plated case is also in sound condition, with a working transit lock.
Measuring 55mm in diameter, a nice clean compass in full working order, dating to the first quarter of the 20th century.

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SOLD
SC740
   


Victorian pocket compass with case
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An attractive Victorian pocket compass set in blue velvet lined fishskin case, measuring 45mm in diameter, and dating to the last quarter of the 19th century. Unusually, the crystal is slightly domed and it sits above a blued steel needle, engraved N & S in gold lettering for clarity. The paper dial is still quite clean, and incorporates 8 cardinal points & 8 unmarked intercardinal points. In full working order, the condition of both compass & case is very good.

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SOLD
SC731
   

19th century circular pocket compass
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Impressive Victorian compass circa mid 19th century ,unusually set in a circular dark mahogany block 53mm diameter. The compass has a shapely blued-steel needle engraved N & S in gold lettering, and a clean paper dial divided into degrees and also showing all the points of the compass. The needle is held by a detent which comes into play when the lid is closed. Fastened with a brass clasp, this is a rare compass, with both crystal and dial in fine order. In full working order, a real classic with a traditional design.

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SOLD
SC721
   

Antique pocket compass with Hall marked silver chain
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A very distinctive pocket watch compass, with a classic Mother of  pearl, Singers patent style design dial. Housed in a nickel plated brass hunter case which is in good condition, although the nickel plating has lightly rubbed on the top of the lid.
The compass comes with a 10" hallmarked silver double albert chain with T bar, and each individual link has a lion stamp.
Although unsigned, this is a quality piece dating to the turn of the 20th century, and the dial has a jeweled pivot set under a domed & bevelled crystal.
In full working order, quite a rare, antique compass with a functional transit lock, measuring 45mm diameter not including the bow.


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SOLD
SC710
   

Vintage pocket compass with folding sight vanes
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An unusual Hunter cased pocket Compass with integral folding sight vanes. No makers marks, nickel plated brass construction ,and probably dates from between the two world wars. Generally in very good condition, although there are three initials lightly scratched on the base underside (perhaps the previous owner). The compass has an English bar needle with  a jewelled pivot, set over an aluminium 2 tier dial with a 360 degree upper scale. All in fine working order, including  a manual transit lock. Measures 50mm diameter and 20mm in depth, a quite unique style of compass.

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SOLD
SC704
 

Georgian brass pocket compass with porcelain dial
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A superb Georgian gilded brass pocket compass set in blue velvet lined leather case, circa 1820. Although unsigned this is a rare compass with a porcelain or ceramic dial which is in excellent condition with no hairline cracks. The English bar needle pivots on a jewel for accuracy and resistance to wear, and is set under an undamaged bevelled crystal. The gilded brass case does show signs of rubbing on the reverse, but is dent free and the hanging ring is a later replacement. It comes fitted in a brown leather case which is in good sound condition and retains its ornate brass fastening clasp.
Measuring 42mm in diameter not including the bow, the compass is in working order and finds North easily and settles quickly.

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SOLD
SC693
   

Victorian desk top compass by F Barker & Son
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This is a stunning desk top compass of impressive proportions, measuring just under 9" in diameter. Made by Francis Barker & Son, and carrying their small but familiar Trade Mark London, arranged in a triangle with an inset logo reading B&S.
The attractive paper dial is in exceptional condition and is set under a jewelled steel needle measuring nearly 7" in length, the glass crystal is also original and in excellent condition.
Dating to around 1890, this mahogany cased compass was probably intended for use as an impressive desk ornament, a purpose it would still fulfil today, particularly on an executive's desk. In full working order, it finds North easily and settles quckly, a quite splendid Victorian compass with rare novelty value.
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SOLD
SC689
   

1915 Officers pocket watch compass by Ed Koehn, Geneva, Switzerland
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WW1 Officers pocket compass signed 'Ed Koehn, Geneva, Switzerland, 36478, 1915'. The Nickel plated hunter case is in very good condition,as is the jewelled pivot dial and bevelled glass. Fitted with lid activated transit lock, a fully working compass with style.
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SOLD
SC674
   

Dollond & Aitchison pocket watch  style compass
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Made in the style of the WW1 officers pocket watch compasses , this is the first compass I have seen bearing the name Dollond & Aitchison London engraved on the inside of the lid. The absence of any military markings, and the fact we know that Dollond  & Aitchison did not merge until 1923, indicates that this is likely to be a peacetime compass and a rare one at that! Originally the gunmetal finish would have covered all the nickel, but although the top & inside retains all the original finish, the base has been cleaned off back to the nickel plating (see photos). The inside is in virtually mint condition & the bevelled glass crystal covers an attractive jeweled black & white dial. In full working order, with strong hinge including a working transit lock, and no dents in the case.

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SOLD
SC605
 


Mid 19th century brass cased compass, WH Moralee , North Shields

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19th century brass cased pocket compass with push fit lid. Signed 'W H Moralee, North Shields' on the distinctive dial. Unusually, the lid is not only engraved with its former owner, G W B Branwell, but also dated 1873. I suspect the compass is actually earlier than this date, as the maker was working in North Shields from the early part of the 19th century. Measures 35mm diameter & in good working order.

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SOLD
SC556
   

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