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Nautical Brass Magnetic Compass with Original Box by E. Vion Paris, Early 1900

About the Item

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, that still works today, was established in 1830 in Paris and it has always manufactured navigation equipment, in particular compasses and marine instruments. Because of renowned quality, Vion instruments equipped many great cargo ships of the XIX and beginning of the XX century. Since 1945, many military programmes were equipped with Vion compasses, in particular Dassault Mirage and Mystère aircraft. Vion is also the creator of the renowned MINI 2000 hand bearing compass, an item that revolutionized coastal navigation. Today Vion has several military contracts, both in France and abroad. Shipping is insured by Lloyd's London; our gift box is free (look at the last picture). The earliest historical notes on the use of magnetic power in Europe are dated back to the end of the 12th century or the beginning of XIII century and attribute to the Amalfiers the exploitation of the properties of the magnet. The cardanic suspension made its first appearance around the middle of the XVI century. An exact description is given in the brief compendium “De la esfera y de la arte de navegar” by Martin Cortés (1551), which gives precise instructions to make a compass. The improvement of this instrument is largely attributed to the discoveries of new lands, from the mid-XVcentury.

Creator:

E. Vion Paris (Maker)

Dimensions:

Height: 12.61 in (32.03 cm)Width: 4 in (10.16 cm)Depth: 4 in (10.16 cm)

Materials and Techniques:

Brass

Place of Origin:

France

Period:

Early 20th Century

Date of Manufacture:

Early 1900