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Pocket Brass Compass

WWII Brass Pocket Compass, England, 1942
Located in Nantucket, MA
A working brass pocket compass marked London, 1942 on the back. Nickel dial. With hinged glass
Category

Mid-20th Century English Industrial Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Silver Brass Pocket Sundial Compass French, circa 1780
Located in Firenze, IT
covered by the seller (customs duties included). Silver brass octagonal dial with four engraved hour
Category

Antique Late 18th Century German Louis XVI Scientific Instruments

Materials

Silver, Brass

Antique English Brass Cased Floating Card Explorers Pocket Compass c.1890
Located in Bath, GB
A very attractive Victorian explorers compass dating to around 1890. The floating card dial pivots
Category

Antique 1890s British Late Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique English Pocket Magnifying Glass / Loop With Compass c.1920
Located in Bath, GB
A charming little folding loop or magnifying glass made from brass, dating to the early twentieth
Category

Vintage 1920s British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

1916s Pocket Magnetic Compass for the Raf Officers Antique Surveyor Measurement
Located in Milan, IT
Pocket compass for the RAF officers, signed F. Darton & Co London V n. 77824 1916 made of brass
Category

Vintage 1910s Aviation Objects

Materials

Brass

Antique English Folding Brass Compass c.1910
Located in Bath, GB
A brass folding pocket compass which is made also to be added to a chain or ribbon to be worn
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique English Folding Brass Compass c.1910
Antique English Folding Brass Compass c.1910
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H 2 in W 1.75 in D 0.5 in
Antique English Brass Cased Compass Reg. No. For 1903
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome cased late Victorian or Edwardian compass with hinged lid, the little button on the top
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique English Brass Cased Compass Reg. No. For 1903
Antique English Brass Cased Compass Reg. No. For 1903
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H 3 in W 2 in D 0.63 in
Antique English Field Glasses / Binoculars by Lawrence and Mayo - With Compass
By Lawrence and Mayo
Located in Bath, GB
Mayo, dating to c.1900. These English pocket sized Field glasses or binoculars are made from brass
Category

Antique 1890s British Late Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Charles Smith & Son 18 Inch Terrestrial Globe on Stand w/ Compass circa 1845-48
By Charles Smith & Son
Located in Milford, NH
A fine rare example of an 18 inch diameter terrestrial globe on mahogany stand with brass meridian
Category

Antique 1840s English Globes

Materials

Brass

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An exceptionally beautiful farm house table from the Tyrolean region of Austria in fruitwood with the rich patina of age acquired from its 250 year history! A multipurpose table, it ...
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Antique Late 18th Century Austrian Country Farm Tables

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Fruitwood

French Louis XVI Style 1870s Round Game Table with Flip Top and Tapered Legs
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French Louis XVI style round parquetry top game table with flip top and tapered legs from the second half of the 19th century. This French table features a circular parquetry top t...
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Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Game Tables

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Brass

Vintage Backgammon Box Game Set in Large Briefcase with Nautical Theme 1980s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Envision an opulent large backgammon set case, drawing inspiration from the distinguished design aesthetics of both Hermes and Gucci, with a refined focus on a sophisticated nautical...
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Late 20th Century French Games

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Double Sailor's Valentine of Sea Shells and Motto "Ever Thine"
Located in Downingtown, PA
Double Sailor's Valentine of Sea Shells and Motto "Ever Thine", Barbados, West Indies, Circa 1885 A double sailor's valentine with Spanish Cedar box with two sides. The right side ...
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Early 20th Century Bajan Folk Art Nautical Objects

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Singing Bird Cage by Bontems with 2 birds
By Bontems
Located in Zonhoven, BE
Rare and very decorative singing bird automaton. Made in de 4th quarter of the 19th century by Bontems in Paris (France). This top quality singing bird has a wooden gilded base to ...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal, Other, Gold Plate

19th Century French Table Sundial And Compass
Located in Firenze, IT
Shipping policy No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). Brass sundial with folding gnoman. ...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Scientific Instruments

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Brass

19th Century Wooden Bible Box "Forget Me Not" with Secret Concealed Compartment
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
19th Century wooden Bible box "Forget Me Not" with secret concealed compartment The four words in the corners are quite cute and charming: Danish: "FOR - GLEM - MIG - EJ" = Eng : "FO...
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Antique 19th Century Scandinavian Folk Art Decorative Boxes

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Vintage Dutch Wooden Ebonized Violin Case, circa 1910
Located in Markington, GB
Vintage ebonized violin case, circa 1910.
Category

Vintage 1910s Dutch Arts and Crafts Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

Surveyor's Level or Theodolite by W.F. Stanley, London, in Original Fitted Box
By W. F. Stanley
Located in Austin, TX
A fine working English surveyor's theodolite or transit instrument (aka a dumpy level or surveyors level) of brass, No.80148, by W.F. Stanley (Great Turnstile, Holborn, London), circ...
Category

Early 20th Century English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Brass

Meissen Mantel Table Clock Bronze Porcelain Autumn Fall Kaendler, circa 1745
By Johann Joachim Kaendler
Located in Vienna, AT
Meissen gorgeous rococo mantel / table clock made of gilded / gilt bronze, excellently decorated with sculptured figurines made of porcelain. Manufactory: Meissen Hallmarked: Blue M...
Category

Antique 1740s German Rococo Porcelain

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Enamel

Early 20th Century Indian Carved Wood Storage Chest Box
Located in New York, NY
Hand-carved wooden Indian tribal storage chest box with hand-wrought iron hinges and straps, and handle. Early 20th century, Northern India.
Category

Early 20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Tribal Art

Materials

Wrought Iron

Playing Card Box
Located in Tampa, FL
An antique wooden playing card box with two sets, one hundred and four, of old playing cards. Late 19th century, England.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Games

Materials

Wood

Playing Card Box
Playing Card Box
H 4.5 in W 0.5 in D 2.5 in
Nautical Brass Magnetic Compass with Original Box by E. Vion Paris, Early 1900
Located in Milan, IT
Antique and rare magnetic surveying compass, brass with original wooden box, signed E. Vion Paris, early 1900. Very good condition. Height of box cm 32 – inches 12.61. The firm Vion...
Category

Early 20th Century French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

A large and exceptional 15th c. Gothic leather and iron bound travelling chest
Located in PARIS, FR
Large leather and iron bound travel chest, very rare in its dimensions Late 15th century, Northern France Dimensions: h.103 cm, w. 178 cm, d. 77cm ( (H. 40.55 in, w. 70.08 in. d. 30....
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier French Gothic Blanket Chests

Materials

Wrought Iron

Handsome 1920s French Mazda Table Lamp
By Mazda
Located in Kingston, NY
This handsome 1920s French table lamp was designed by Mazda. If features a trumpet form glass shade in pearl with black lacquer and brass detailing. It has been newly rewired and is ...
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Table Lamps

Materials

Opaline Glass, Mahogany

Jean Prouvé Compass Direction Desk Limited RAW Steel and Natural Oak by Vitra
By Vitra, Jean Prouvé
Located in Dronten, NL
Jean Prouvé Compass direction desk in natural oak and clear lacquered steel for Vitra. Originally designed in 1953, Prouvé's iconic desk is based the design on the structural princip...
Category

Vintage 1930s French Industrial Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Steel

Recent Sales

Dutch Brass Compass Pocket Dial, circa 1650
Located in Houston, TX
This is a Dutch brass compass pocket dial with elevations of major European cities. Including a
Category

Antique Mid-17th Century Dutch Scientific Instruments

Victorian 1870 Pocket Compass and Barometer
Located in Windsor, Berkshire
Victorian 1870 pocket compass and barometer, the compass is in working condition it’s “Carpenter
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

Victorian 1870 Pocket Compass and Barometer
Victorian 1870 Pocket Compass and Barometer
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H 1.19 in Dm 1.97 in
Equinoxial Pocket Sundial
By L. Gäfe À Augsburg
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
circle on which are engraved the hours. The back of the compass are engraved the latitude of several
Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass, Iron

Early 19th Century Silver Mounted Shagreen Case Signed Dollond, London
By Dollond, London
Located in Brussels, BE
quality Shagreen covered pocket wooden case with silver rim and vacant cartouche containing a set of brass
Category

Antique 1820s English Early Victorian Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Shagreen

Pocket Brass Compass Used by the Royal Air Force Officers of 1916
Located in Milan, IT
Pocket compass used by the Royal Air Force officers of 1916 made of chromed brass in the shape of
Category

Vintage 1910s British Aviation Objects

Materials

Brass

1916 Old Pocket Brass Compass for a Royal Air Force Officer Signed Short & Mason
Located in Milan, IT
chromed brass in the shape of a pocket watch. The compass is equipped with a lid with snap closure with
Category

Vintage 1910s British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

WWII Brass Pocket Compass, England, 1942
Located in Nantucket, MA
A working brass pocket compass marked London, 1942 on the back. Nickel dial. With hinged glass
Category

Mid-20th Century English Industrial Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Pocket Compass Chromed Brass USA Aviation WWII
By Wittnauer
Located in Milan, IT
Pocket compass, chromed brass, in the shape of a pocket watch, used by American aviators during the
Category

Vintage 1940s American Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Small Pocket Compass, Mahogany Wood and Brass, WWI
Located in Milan, IT
Small pocket compass, mahogany wood and brass, used by British aviation officers during the First
Category

Vintage 1910s British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Pocket Compass English, Manufacture 1920s
Located in Milan, IT
Brass pocket compass in the shape of a pocket watch, complete with lid. Six-winds compass card
Category

Vintage 1920s British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Pocket Compass Signed by Pathfinder Japan Made of Brass
Located in Milan, IT
Pocket compass signed by Pathfinder Japan, made of brass with the shape of a pocket watch. The
Category

Vintage 1930s Japanese Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

1920s Antique Brass Magnetic Pocket Compass Antique Nautical Objects
Located in Milan, IT
Brass nautical pocket compass, equipped with a lid with glass and viewfinder for checking the
Category

Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

1917s Brass Nautical Pocket Compass Antique Marine Navigation Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Brass nautical travel compass complete with leather case signed Barnes & Morris London n.13844 from
Category

Vintage 1910s Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Small Pocket Compass Made of Brass with Magnifying Glass, 1930s
Located in Milan, IT
Small pocket compass made of brass with magnifying glass. The lens is placed inside a case made
Category

Vintage 1930s British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

1907s Pocket Magnetic Crome Plated Brass Compass Antique Scientific Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Pocket compass chrome plated brass with the shape of a pocket watch, with lid engraving K.F
Category

Antique Early 1900s Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Vintage Pocket Compass, English, Brass, Navigation Instrument, Late 20th Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage pocket compass. An English, brass navigation instrument in the manner of Stanley
Category

Late 20th Century British Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

WWI UK Avation Brass Pocket Compass Raf Officers Antique Scientific Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Pocket compass used during the First World War by RAF officers of chromed brass in the shape of an
Category

Vintage 1910s British Aviation Objects

Materials

Brass

WWI Antique American Chromed Brass Pocket Compass by Wittnauer Army Officers
Located in Milan, IT
Pocket compass for an American army officer of the First World War of chromed brass in the shape of
Category

Vintage 1910s American Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

1916s Chromed Brass Pocket Compass by British Aviation Officers Signed Dennison
Located in Milan, IT
Pocket compass used by Britihs aviation officers made of chromed brass in the shape of a pocket
Category

Vintage 1910s British Aviation Objects

Materials

Brass

1900s French Manufacture Antique Pocket Magnetic Compass Made of Turned Brass
Located in Milan, IT
Small travel compass made of turned brass with lid, eight winds compass card of engraved and
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

1930s Made in UK Small Brass Pocket Compass Antique Scientific instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Small brass travel compass, eight winds compass card on paper complete with goniometric circle
Category

Vintage 1930s British Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Antique English Brass and Sterling Silver "Pocket Watch" Compass, circa 1890
Located in Bath, GB
A most unusual pocket compass created in the form of a pocket watch, the case being made from
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Sterling Silver, Brass

Antique English Brass Cased Floating Card Explorers Pocket Compass, circa 1880
Located in Bath, GB
A very attractive Victorian explorers compass dating to circa 1880. The floating card dial
Category

Antique 1880s English Late Victorian Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Antique English Brass Cased Floating Card Explorers Pocket Compass, circa 1880
Located in Bath, GB
A very attractive Victorian explorers compass dating to circa 1880. The floating card dial
Category

Antique 1880s English Late Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique English Brass Cased Floating Card Explorers Pocket Compass, circa 1880
Located in Bath, GB
A very attractive Victorian explorers compass dating circa 1880. The floating card dial pivots
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Pocket Compass Made in France in the 1920s
Located in Milan, IT
Brass pocket compass in the shape of a pocket watch, complete with lid. Six-wind compass card
Category

Vintage 1920s French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

1918s Small Pocket Nautical Brass Magnetic Compass Signed F.L French Limited
Located in Milan, IT
Prismatic bearing bush in brass; it is a small compass, signed F-L (French Limited) N. 246378
Category

Vintage 1910s British Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Pocket Compass for a British Officer, Early 1900s
Located in Milan, IT
Officer pocket compass of chromed brass shaped like a pocket watch. Made in England in the early
Category

Early 20th Century British Aviation Objects

Materials

Brass

Pocket Compass Used by British Aviation Officers, 1917
Located in Milan, IT
Pocket compass used by British aviation officers made of chromed brass in the shape of a pocket
Category

Vintage 1910s British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Vintage Pocket Compass, English, Terrestrial, Maritime, Navigation, Instrument
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage pocket compass. An English, brass terrestrial or maritime navigation instrument
Category

Mid-20th Century Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Vintage Pocket Compass, English, Terrestrial, Marine, Navigation, Instrument
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage pocket transit compass. An English, brass terrestrial or marine navigation
Category

Mid-20th Century British Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

18th Century Gilt Brass and Silver Pocket or Miniature Sundial Compass with Case
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
A Fine 18th century gilt brass and silver pocket sundial with Travelling case, c. 1750. A
Category

Antique 18th Century Scientific Instruments

Materials

Silver, Brass

19th Century Baroque Style Pocket Compass and Sundial
Located in Essex, MA
underside of the lid for the string gnomon of 37, 39, 41, 43, and 45, central compass with printed paper
Category

Antique 19th Century Collectibles and Curiosities

Materials

Brass

Pocket Compass Used by RAF Officers in the WWI
Located in Milan, IT
Pocket compass used by RAF officers in the WWI of brass in the shape of a pocket watch. The compass
Category

Vintage 1910s British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Pocket Compass for an Officer English Manufacture, Early 1900s
Located in Milan, IT
Officer's pocket compass of chromed brass in the shape of a pocket watch. English manufacture from
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Aviation Objects

Materials

Brass

1915s Magnetic Pocket Compass Short & Mason Antique Scientific Instrument
Located in Milan, IT
Pocket compass used by British Army officers during World War I in 1915 of brass in the shape of a
Category

Vintage 1910s Aviation Objects

Materials

Brass

Dry Pocket Nautical Compass Placed in Its Original Box Made of Turned Brass
Located in Milan, IT
Small dry pocket nautical compass placed in its original box made of turned brass, complete with
Category

Antique 1860s British Nautical Objects

1918s Barke's Magnetic Nautical Pocket Compass Antique Marine Navigation Device
Located in Milan, IT
Pocket liquid bearing compass signed F. Barker’s Patent 1918, used by British army officers during
Category

Vintage 1910s Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

1918s Barke's Magnetic Nautical Pocket Compass Antique Marine Navigation Device
Located in Milan, IT
Pocket liquid bearing compass signed F. Barker’s Patent 1918, used by British army officers during
Category

Vintage 1910s Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Antique c.1910 English Pocket Magnifying Glass / Loop With Compass
Located in Bath, GB
A charming little folding loop or magnifying glass made from brass, dating to the early twentieth
Category

Vintage 1910s European Edwardian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique English Pocket Magnifying Glass / Loop with Compass, c.1910
Located in Bath, GB
A charming little folding loop or magnifying glass made from brass, dating to the early twentieth
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique English Pocket Magnifying Glass / Loop With Compass c.1910
Located in Bath, GB
A charming little folding loop or magnifying glass made from brass, dating to the early twentieth
Category

Vintage 1910s British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique English Pocket Magnifying Glass / Loop With Compass c.1910
Located in Bath, GB
A charming little folding loop or magnifying glass made from brass, dating to the early twentieth
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

American Brass Compass by Wittnauer WWI
Located in Milan, IT
Pocket compass for an American army officer of the First World War of chromed brass in the shape of
Category

Vintage 1910s American Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Brass Compass the Magnapole, Early 1900s
Located in Milan, IT
Nautical travel compass made of brass in the early 1900s, the Magnapole; small compass used away
Category

Early 20th Century British Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Pocket Compass for a RAF Officer Signed Terrasse W. Co 1918
Located in Milan, IT
Pocket compass for a RAF officer signed Terrasse W. Co VI n. 70065 from 1918, made of brass in the
Category

Vintage 1910s British Aviation Objects

Materials

Brass

Pocket Compass Used by the Royal Air Force Officers in 1915
Located in Milan, IT
of chromed brass in the shape of a pocket watch. The compass is equipped with a lid with snap closure
Category

Vintage 1910s British Aviation Objects

Materials

Brass

18th Century German Equinoctial Pocket Sundial and Compass by Ludwig Theodor
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
From the first quarter of the 18th century - a German brass equinoctial pocket sundial by Ludwig
Category

Antique 18th Century German Grand Tour More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

1917s Prismatic Magnetic Pocket Compass Signed F-L Antique Marine Navigation
Located in Milan, IT
Prismatic bearing bush in brass; it is a small compass, signed F-L N. 183801 produced in 1917. It
Category

Vintage 1910s Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Victorian Brass Compass Made in the Late 1900s
Located in Milan, IT
Small pocket compass for travelers, from the Victorian era, UK late 19th century, of brass, compass
Category

Antique 1870s British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Pocket Compass for a US Army Officers Signed Keuffel & Esser Co NY WWI
Located in Milan, IT
War of chrome-plated brass in the shape of a pocket watch. The compass is equipped with a lid with
Category

Vintage 1910s American Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19th Century English Small Wood Pocket Travel Compass Card with 16 Winds
Located in Milan, IT
Small pocket compass, wood and brass, compass card with 16 winds with goniometric circle on printed
Category

Antique 19th Century Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

Brass Compass Made in England in the Early 1900s with its Leather Case
Located in Milan, IT
Nautical pocket compass made of turned brass signed Lawrence & Mayo London from the early 1900s
Category

Early 20th Century British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique English Cased Compass - Reg. 1900
Located in Bath, GB
used to open; just like a pocket watch. The case is made from nickel over brass with minor wear
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique English Cased Compass - Reg. 1900
Antique English Cased Compass - Reg. 1900
H 2.75 in W 1.75 in D 0.5 in
Brass Nautical Compass Made in UK in the Second Half of the 19th Century
Located in Milan, IT
Small nautical pocket compass in its original turned brass case complete with compass card block
Category

Antique 1860s British Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Antique English Signed Explorer Compass, circa 1880
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome Victorian pocket / explorer compass with a cross bar needle pivoting on a jewelled
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Survey Compass Swiss Made in 1918 for U.S. Engineer Corps
Located in Milan, IT
Vintage nautical bearing magnetic compass, pocket made of brass, signed Cruchon & Emons Berne n
Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique English Field Glasses / Binoculars by Lawrence and Mayo, with Compass
Located in Bath, GB
Mayo, dating to circa 1910. These English pocket sized field glasses or binoculars are made from brass
Category

Vintage 1910s English Edwardian Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Antique English Field Glasses / Binoculars by Lawrence and Mayo - With Compass
By Lawrence and Mayo
Located in Bath, GB
Mayo, dating to c.1910. These English pocket sized Field glasses or binoculars are made from brass
Category

Vintage 1910s English Edwardian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique English Field Glasses / Binoculars by Lawrence and Mayo, with Compass
Located in Bath, GB
Mayo, dating to c.1910. These English pocket sized Field glasses or binoculars are made from brass
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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Pocket Brass Compass For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the pocket brass compass you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Each pocket brass compass for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using brass, metal and glass. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect pocket brass compass — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. A pocket brass compass made by Victorian designers — as well as those associated with Industrial — is very popular. A well-made pocket brass compass has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Ceebynite Short & Mason Taylor, Wittnauer and Butterfield Paris are consistently popular.

Finding the Right scientific-instruments for You

Decorating with vintage, new and antique scientific instruments, as well as other authentic collectibles and curiosities that can be found on 1stDibs, presents an opportunity to create a unique, natural history museum-like atmosphere in your home that can provoke conversation as often as it pays tribute to how far we’ve come in understanding our world.

The Age of Discovery (or the Age of Exploration) refers to a period during the 15th to 18th centuries that saw Europeans taking to the high seas to explore, trade and conquer various regions of the world. What we know about geography, the advancement of sea vessels and the development of scientific instruments all broadened significantly during this time.

With every new finding about our world, scientists invented tools to measure and record. While many of these objects are now obsolete, they are essentially works of art and have a rich history. Scientific instruments of a bygone era represent how far science and technology have advanced.

If you’re interested in introducing antique scientific instruments and tools to your decor to add contrast or draw attention to otherwise unexplored corners of your living room or dining room, there are many options to consider as far as textures and colors go. Like any curious decorative object that draws attention to your home library or mantel, vintage scientific instruments will likely add spirit to any conversation that might take place over cocktails or dinner.

Create an intriguing focal point with Georgian scientific instruments, such as stick barometers with mahogany cases or lacquered brass telescopes. These items stem from an era named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who ruled England in succession starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). Just as there was beautiful jewelry produced during the period that today is coveted by collectors, there is much to be found in the collectibles and curiosities realm too.

Mid-century modern scientific instruments also capture a period of rapid progress, representing groundbreaking discoveries that defined the 20th century. Wouldn’t antique anatomical models of the 1950s pair well with your eye-catching abstract paintings, George Nelson clock or Florence Knoll sofa?

Whether you’re looking for a way to showcase your passion for chemistry or aviation or are making room in your foyer for a breathtaking industrial-style electronic time tower manufactured by Patek Philippe, 1stDibs offers a collection of vintage, new and antique scientific instruments that includes topographic tools, laboratory equipment and more.

Questions About Pocket Brass Compass
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
    A pocket compass consists of a magnetic needle encased in a nonmagnetic case that allows the needle to freely swing over a graded face or dial. A pocket compass is a timeless instrument — it can be used for research or navigation in remote areas as well as in dark and foggy conditions. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage pocket compasses.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A pocket compass is used for navigation. The magnetic needle turns until one end points north and the other points south. You can use this information to orient yourself and choose which direction to travel. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of antique and vintage pocket compasses.

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