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COMPASSES Page 1 (For Sale) |
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| A fine example of a vintage full hunter
cased pocket watch style compass, with a gemstone pivot floating
dial and a painted lubber line on the underside of the crystal. There are no makers marks, but the case is of nickel plated brass construction ,and it dates from between the two world wars, being very similar to the miltary ones issued to British Army Officers during WW1 & WW2. In very good condition, the case is good with no dings or dents and all the plating is still intact. It's all in fine working order with an undamaged crystal, and incorporates an automatic transit lock when the lid is closed. Measures 45mm in diameter.
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This is known
as a Handle compass clinometer, and is in excellent condition,
with its original leather case, which is also in very good condition. A nice example it's engraved on the reverse ' M.D.S. Ltd, London' (MDS stands for Manufacturers & Distributors Syndicate Ltd who were founded in 1920 to deal with Government surplus) and were the retailers, but the maker is Francis Barker & Son who produced these on a wholesale basis for others to retail. The black compass needle pivots on a gemstone bearing above a decorative dial with 360 degree scale, and 16 intercardinal points. Also incorporates a pendulous arm for measuring angle of slope in centimetres per metre. Dating to the second half of the 20th century, it measures 3" in diameter, and in full working order including the transit lock which is activated by a knurled knob on the side.
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A WW1
Verner's pattern MKVIII military marching compass dated 1917,
with what is probably its original leather case, also dated 1917. Engraved F-L with serial no 80490, it also stamped with the British Army War department arrow on the underside of the compass body. In good condition all round, with a jewelled bearing aluminium dial, the brass case has retained most of its non reflective coating, and there is an automatic transit lock activated by lid closure. It still has its anti slip rubber ring on the underside, which is so often missing on these compasses, and comes with its leather case which is also in very good condition with all stitching intact. The leather case is impressed French & Son, London, 1917, who was the maker of the case. In good working order, a genuine piece of Britain's WW1 history.
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Similar in design to the earlier
British Army Officers compasses of WW1 made by Dennison, this is an unsigned
full hunter cased pocket compass dating to the inter war period
of the 1920's & 30's, and is probably a peacetime model having no markings
of any kind. The polished case retains all its original nickel plating, with a bevelled glass crystal covering an attractive jewelled bearing floating dial, and still has the leather strap & T bar for the buttonhole. The cosmetic condition is very good with just one tiny, hard to see ding on one side of the lid in the 4 o'clock position. In full working order, with a strong hinge including the transit lock, it measures 45mm in diameter not including the stem.
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The Francis Barker
range of liquid filled prismatic compasses are among the finest professional
compasses ever made, and are currently in use by many military forces
around the world including NATO. This particular model is the M88
which is made from a lightweight yet robust aluminium alloy, and has five
self luminous tritium lights enabling full night and
day operation.
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| This is a full hunter cased compass, made
by Francis Barker during the first half of the 20th century,
and like many Barker compasses is unsigned, but the aluminium dial carries
the Reg'd No 355639 which was the design first registered
by Francis Barker in 1900.
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An impressive mid 19th
century ship or boat dry card dial compass. The bowl and gimbal
are of brass construction and housed in its original oak box with sliding
lid.
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A very distinctive
brass cased Victorian brass pocket compass dating to around
1880. Although unsigned this compass is clearly a quality piece with a shapely blued steel needle engraved 'N' & 'S' in gold letters for clarity. The paper dial is in excellent condition with no tears or lifting, and is protected by a clean crystal. The brass case is free from any dents and has its original push on lid. In full working order, an elegant antique compass in good original condition. Dimensions are 36mm diameter and 10mm deep.
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| A British Army WW1 Verner's
Pattern MKVII prismatic marching compass with leather case and
carry strap, all in very good condition.
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This is a near
mint example of a leather cased MK IX prismatic marching
compass, engraved on the reverse: 'MK. IX B 18117
F.B&S. (1932) Ltd' (also has the British Army War office military
arrow). Dating to the WW2 period, this compass was not only manufactured by Francis Barker & Son but actually carries their own branding. (As Barker had the patent rights for most of the military compasses, the bulk of their production was made for supply to many other instrument makers on a wholesale basis) In full working order, it also has the traditional Mother of Pearl dial for low light reading, and is in excellent condition, retaining all its original black finish. A dry dial compass with a gemstone pivot bearing, it has an automatic transit lock activated by lid closure. It also has a tan leather case which is also in great condition, and with its shoulder carry strap.
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| An unusual Hunter cased
combined pocket compass & clinometer with integral folding sight vanes.
No makers marks, of nickel plated brass construction ,and probably dates from between the two world wars. The compass has a needle with a red gemstone pivot, set over an aluminium 2 tier dial which is of a French pattern note the 'O' for (Ouest) for West. The upper 360 degree scale is for compass readings and the lower 180 degree scale is for the clinometer function. All in good working order with a manual transit lock, it's a substantial instrument measuring 70mm diameter and 20mm in depth. Generally in very good condition, although there is some slight tarnishing on the inside of the lid which can be seen in the photos.
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Dating to the latter part of the
19th century, this is a distinctive brass cased pocket
compass, with an English cross bar needle on a jewelled
pivot above a very attractive paper dial, covered by a clean bevelled crystal
which is in good undamaged condition. The compass has a separate push fit lid, which is black coated inside & on which there are the initials J H lightly inscribed, probably by a previous owner. The gilded case is in excellent condition and has a working transit lock activated by the closure of the lid. Measuring 40mm in diameter, an antique compass with style, in full working order.
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This is a large prismatic artillery
compass, made by Stanley of London, probably during the
1930's. Its an impressive instrument measuring 110mm
in diameter and incorporates a number of features not found on the more
standard models, including two rotating red & blue sun filters on
the prism, with an adjustable folding mirror on the back sight.
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| This is a mahogany cased
pocket compass made in England by M. Ash of Birmingham, but clearly for
export as the dial pattern is French, note the
'O' (Ouest) for West. The inside of the lid is inpressed with the makers details: M. ASH, 4 BULL St, BIRMm. I believe this was possibly the optician Morris Ash who is recorded as working in Bull Street from around 1888, but from the compass design, I would date this compass to the early part of the 20th century. It has an aluminium dial which is two tiered, having the cardinal points on the lower part, with the upper tier consisting of a 360 degree graduated scale for taking more accurate readings. An antique compass in good clean condition as can be seen by the photos, with a blue tipped needle which pivots on a gemstone bearing for reduced friction. It measures 70mm square & 20mm deep, is fully functional with a lid activated transit lock.
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A nice condition WW1 British
Army Officers MK VI pocket compass, engraved Dennison
Birmingham VI 100230 1916, and military arrow on the lid. The polished full hunter case retains all its original nickel plating, and the bevelled glass crystal covers an attractive jewelled bearing floating dial, which has all its original markings intact. In full working order, with strong hinge including the transit lock, it measures 45mm in diameter not including the stem. A fine example from the most renowned maker of this style of compass.
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| Wood cased compasses are for the most part
unsigned, but this is a very nice Mariners style compass in a mahogany case
which has a makers name reading ‘ Casella, London, Instrument
maker to the Admiralty’ around the dial centre. The maker is a Louis Paschel Casella who worked in Hatton Garden from 1844 and is a very collectable name, particularly as the firm is still operating today, albeit on a more hi-tech basis. Also much larger than other block compasses of the period, it measures an impressive 5" square and 1.5" in thickness with the lid closed, the inner dial is just over 4" in diameter. (see last photo which has a 6"rule for scale) The compass is of the floating card dial type with a gemstone pivot & probably dates to between 1860 & 1870. In full working order, with a transit lock activated on lid closure and fastened by two brass catches, the cosmetic condition is also very good. A classic Victorian compass with a traditional design.
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A nice example of a WW1
British Army Officers MK V pocket watch compass, engraved on the lid 'L.
Kamm & Co, London, V, 19208, 1915, and military arrow.
The hunter case is in good condition and retains all its nickel
plating both inside and out. It has a bevelled glass crystal covering the distinctive Singers patent style black & white floating dial, which is mounted on a jewelled brass bearing for reduced friction on the pivot point. In full working order, with strong hinge including the transit lock. A fine working example from one of the rarer makers who did not use the more common Dennison case. Measures 45mm in diameter.
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This is an elegant mid
19th century brass cased explorers or travellers compass with a
very clean traditional dial, denoting 32 cardinal and inter cardinal points,
under a clean crystal. The blued steel needle has N &
S engraved in gold lettering for clarity, and the brass
case is in good condition, with no dents. Although unsigned, this antique compass with its original brass lid is clearly a quality piece, incorporating the classic compass rose design. In full working order, including a transit lock activated when lid is in place, the dimensions are 55mm diameter and 12mm deep.
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| This is a very elegant mid
19th century pocket compass circa 1860, set in a hinged
mahogany block 50mm square. It 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. Interestingly, a previous owner has engraved the inside of the lid with an elaborate crest showing an intertwined JS, and the date 1933, which presumably is when he or she owned it (See main photo) Fastened with an attractive 7 shaped brass clasp, this is a nice clean compass, with both crystal and dial in fine order. Although unsigned, as many wood block compasses were, the concealed hinges were a feature almost exclusively used by Francis Barker, and the quality is certainly in keeping with that makers reputation.
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| A small Victorian pocket
compass set in blue velvet lined, fishskin covered case, and dating
to the latter part of the 19th century. Although measuring only 40mm diameter including the case, this is quite a striking little compass with a shapely blued steel needle imprinted N & S in gold lettering for clarity. Set over a paper dial incorporating 16 cardinal & intercardinal points, a delicate compass in full working order, and although having some age related wear, is generally in good condition.
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| This is a handsome pocket compass
with integral folding sight vanes signed 'S. Brush & Co Melbourne'
on the dial. It's likely this was the retailer, and the compass was probably
made in England for export to Australia. Of bronzed brass construction , it probably dates to the early part of the 20th century and is in very good condition, particularly inside once the separate cover is removed. The compass has an English cross bar needle, incorporating a jewelled pivot, set over an aluminium 2 tier dial with a 360 degree upper scale. All in fine working order, including a transit lock activated when the front sight vane is folded, it measures 60mm diameter and 20mm in depth, a really quite unique style of compass.
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| A fine Victorian pocket
compass set in a blue velvet lined leather covered presentation
case, and dates to the mid 19th century. It has a very attractive blued steel needle which pivots on a red gemstone bearing for reduced friction, and is engraved N & S in gold for clarity. Set under a clean bevelled crystal, the unblemished dial is housed in a gilt brass case which retains most of its original gilding, the rubbed areas being mainly on the underside. The rectangular leather case measures 100mm long by 80mm wide and is also in good condition. An elegant antique compass measuring 34mm in diameter excluding ring & stem, in good working order, it finds North consistently.
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This is a fine example
of a WW2 full hunter cased British Army Officers pocket
compass, engraved 'MK VI 1940, F Barker &Son (1932) Ltd, London,
B 4474' on the lid and also has the War department military
arrow, which shows it was issued to the field. The nickel plated hunter case is in a clean undented condition, with a bevelled glass crystal covering the jewelled floating dial. As can be seen from the photos, its in really good condition, and in full working order, with a strong hinge, including the transit lock. It measures 45mm diameter.
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A Stanley
G150 liquid filled prismatic compass, first used by the British
Army in the Falklands conflict, and again in the first Gulf war. This
particular compass was brought back from the first Gulf war by a serving
soldier, and is in very good condition with only minimal paint loss. It
also has the Nato stock number 6605-99-537-9034 on the
underside.
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This is a Handle
compass clinometer, by J H Steward and is signed
'J. H. STEWARD Ltd, 406 & 457 Strand, London'. Dating to the
early part of the 20th century, it's in very good condition and comes in
its original leather case which is also in good order. The black compass needle pivots on a gemstone bearing above a decorative dial with 360 degree scale, and 16 intercardinal points. It also incorporates a pendulous arm for measuring rise & fall. Measures 70mm in diameter, and in full working order including the transit lock which is activated by a brass lever on the side.
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Dated 1941,
this is a fine example of a WW2 MK III prismatic compass,
made by Francis Barker on a wholesale basis, and rebranded
by T G Co Ltd. (The Gramophone Company).
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A nice example of a WW1 military
marching compass by J Wardale London, dated 1918 and numbered
5221. Set in a mahogany block measuring 3"
square, with a Verner's design dial card under a rotating glass crystal,
it's in good original condition with some cosmetic wear and tear. In good working order throughout, the base is engraved 'J WARDALE & Co, LONDON, 1918 no 5221'
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Dating to the latter part of
the 19th century, this large mahogany cased compass measuring 8.5"
in diameter was originally made for educational purposes but today makes
an impressive desk ornament. The only markings are the words Trade
Mark London, arranged in a triangle above the North fleur de lis,
and within the triangle is a combination of 3 letters and one symbol, F
B & S. These are superimposed over each other to form the logo
of Francis Barker & Son, but you will need a jewellers
eye glass to see it properly! The attractive paper dial is in exceptional condition with no staining as is often found in other compasses of the period, and is set under a jewelled steel needle measuring nearly 7" in length, the glass crystal is also original and in excellent condition. In working order and in very good condition all round, a quite splendid Victorian compass with rare novelty value.
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A very
distinctive lacquered brass cased explorers pocket compass circa
1830.
Although there is no makers name, the dial has a masonic all seeing eye style logo with the words 'Trade Mark' directly under the North point., which I have since discovered was the trademark logo of James Parkes, Birmingham. The company was established in 1815 and made a variety of mathematical instruments for the Great Exhibition of 1851, but magnetic compasses by this maker are comparatively rare, and their dial designs tend to be quite different to other makers of the period. The attractive floating dial is in very good legible condition and housed under a clean glass crystal. The brass case is also in good condition, still having most of its original lacquer, albeit with some tarnishing but no dents, and has its original push on protective brass lid. In full working order, an early antique compass which measures 70mm diameter and 25mm deep.
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A pocket
compass in a hunter case, but unusually measuring only 35mm
in diameter. Housed in a nickel plated brass case, the English cross bar needle pivots on a red gemstone bearing for reduced friction, above a traditional dial with 16 cardinal & inter cardinal points, protected by a slightly domed glass crystal. Dating to the latter part of the 19th century, it's unsigned but a delightful piece in full working order with a functioning transit lock, and is also in very good cosmetic condition.
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| A stylish example of an Edwardian
brass cased pocket compass with an English cross bar needle on a jewelled
pivot, and signed 'COMBER GOLDSMITH WOKING', inside the
lid. I believe this was the retailer who purchased the compass on a
wholesale basis from one of the main compass makers, possibly Francis Barker. Dating to around 1910, its in good clean condition with a clear, and undamaged crystal over a frosted aluminium dial. 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 full working order, including the automatic transit lock.
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A British Army WW1 officers
pocket watch style compass, engraved C Haseler & Son Ltd, Birmingham
VI 1 5627 1918, along with the War Department military arrow on
the lid. The full hunter case is in very good condition, retaining all its original nickel plating, and no dents. The original bevelled glass crystal is in fine condition, and covers an attractive jewelled pivot floating dial. In full working order, including the automatic transit lock, it measures 45mm diameter on the main body, and is a fine example of these charismatic WW1 compasses, which are becoming very scarce in such good condition.
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A quality brass cased Victorian
compass with a separate brass lid, by Francis Barker & Son London.
The blued steel needle with gold letters pivots above an attractive sunburst
dial and is covered by a clean undamaged crystal. The paper dial has the F Barker and Son logo, within the trademark London triangle just under the North cardinal point and dates to the latter part of the 19th century. Measuring just 30mm in diameter, it's a nice antique compass in very good condition with no dents and a snug fitting lid, in full working order.
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This is a Victorian explorers green
card prismatic compass engraved 'Dollond London' on the
underside. The large upright sight vane locks the compass card for transit,
and the front prismatic viewer has a brass swivel dust cover. In very good
condition, it's made of black lacquered brass, with a separate push on lid
for protecting the glass crystal, and the floating card pivots on a gemstone
bearing for reduced friction. Dates to the latter part of the 19th
century, an elegant compass by a quality London maker, it measures
70mm in diameter and 25mm in depth.
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A fine example of an English cross
bar needle compass which was possibly used for military purposes. Dating
to around 1870 there are no makers marks, but the accompanying
leather case has the military arrow impressed on the flap. The compass is
constructed in brass with a non reflective black finish, and has folding
sight vanes which activate a transit lock when closed, and a separate push
on lid for protecting the glass crystal. This is a quality piece with a traditional printed card dial denoting 32 cardinal and inter cardinal points, above which the crossbar needle pivots on a gemstone bearing for reduced friction. In very good condition all round, a fully working antique compass measuring 60mm diameter and 20mm deep.
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A very distinctive
brass cased Victorian pocket compass, made by the renowned
makers William Watson & Son. The traditional compass rose dial has the
words 'Watson & Son, 313 High Holborn London' in a
circular logo around the centre, and direction is indicated by an English
cross bar needle with a gemstone pivot bearing. All housed under a clean
glass crystal, the card dial is in good condition with only one or two minor
age spots, it dates to between 1873 to 1881, the period
that Watson & Son worked at the Holborn address. The hunter case is also in good condition with no dents and activates a transit lock when the lid is closed. In full working order, an elegant yet robust compass measuring 45mm diameter and 14mm deep.
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A distinctive late Victorian
brass cased pocket compass dating to around 1890, made
by the renowned firm of Negretti & Zambra. The frosted aluminium compass
dial has 8 cardinal points and an outer scale calibrated in 2 degree increments
up to 360 degrees and reads 'Negretti & Zambra, London'. Direction is indicated by an English cross bar needle which pivots on a jewelled bearing under a clean undamaged crystal. The brass case is in good original condition with no dents and has its brass lid for protecting the glass crystal and engaging the built in transit lock. In full working order, the dimensions are 60mm diameter and 15mm deep. A quite unique and robust compass by a very collectable maker.
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| A nice example of a Hunter cased pocket compass
by Francis Barker, which dates to the early part of the
20th century, and quite similar in style to the WW1 British Army Officers
compasses. Fitted with an English cross bar needle that pivots on an agate
gemstone, above an attractive frosted aluminium dial on which is printed
'F Barker & Son, Makers London '. A super compass in good working order including the lid activated transit lock, and the clean glass crystal is chip free, measures 45mm in diameter. A very collectable compass by probably the most prolific of all of compass makers.
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A late 19th
century brass cased explorers compass printed 'Made in
England' on the dial around the pivot. On the underside of the
brass case is a very small logo which reads London with an intertwined capital
S and M which is a trade mark of the well known compass & instrument
makers SHORT & MASON. Set in a polished brass case with its original brass push fit lid, the aluminium dial is in good clean condition, and direction is indicated by an English cross bar needle which locks for transit when the lid is in place, thereby reducing wear on the jewelled pivot. Dating to around 1890 this is a fully working antique compass meauring 60mm in diameter, in super condition.
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| This is a fine and rare example of a Verner's Pattern MK VI design prismatic marching compass which was superceeded by the more common MK VII shortly after the start of WW1. The MK VI is much less common and unusual to find in such good condition, particularly with its centre paper label completely intact. There are no makers or model marks whatsoever, which suggests it was made as a wholesale product for onward retail, but found its way into private hands later. The quality and specification is typical of those produced by Short & Mason, probably before 1910. An exceptional compass in full working order, it has the mother of pearl dial for low light readings, and comes with its leather case which is also in excellent condition.
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| An English hunter cased polished brass pocket
compass signed 'Aitchison & Co, Opticians to H.M. Govt. London
& Provinces' on the dial. Although made in the first quarter
of the 20th century, it was probably made for private use rather than military.
Fitted with a jewelled English bar needle above an attractive dial, this
compass is one of very few made by the company who merged with the more
famous Dollond company in 1923, to become
the well known Dollond & Aitchison Opticians who are
still very much in business today. In full working order, including the lid activated transit lock, there are some very shallow dings on the lid, but none of which detract from what is quite a rare example by a fine maker. The compass case measures 45mm in diameter.
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A very distinctive
brass cased early Victorian pocket compass dating to around
1840. Although unsigned this compass is clearly a quality
piece with a most attractive floating card dial under a clean crystal. The
brass case is in very good condition with no dents and has its original
snug fitting domed lid. A nice heavy little piece for its size, dimensions
are 36mm diameter and 16mm deep.
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This is a very early WW1
'Angle of Sight' instrument, and made by J H Steward
in 1916. Until now the only ones I have seen have been from the
WW2 period so quite unusual to find one this early in such good condition.
Constructed from bronzed brass, its engraved 'Angle of Sight Instrument,
H.A. MK I, J H Steward Ltd, 1916, No 369'. The same text is also
embossed on its original leather case, which although a little scuffed
is in remarkably sound condition, and all stitching intact. The War department
arrow on the instrument also shows that it was military issue.
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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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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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| 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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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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