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Antique Magnetic Compass

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

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

Category

Early 20th Century French Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Brass

English Ship's Binnacle Compass of Brass with Side Burner Light
English Ship's Binnacle Compass of Brass with Side Burner Light

English Ship's Binnacle Compass of Brass with Side Burner Light

Located in Austin, TX

movements, designed to shield the compass from the magnetic influences of the ship's structure. Even with

Category

Early 20th Century English Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Metal, Brass

Antique Surveyor's Circumcompendium Signed Brand Frères, 1850-1880
Antique Surveyor's Circumcompendium Signed Brand Frères, 1850-1880

Antique Surveyor's Circumcompendium Signed Brand Frères, 1850-1880

Located in Bilzen, BE

. This fine example of Belgian precision craftsmanship features: A large magnetic compass with finely

Category

Mid-19th Century Belgian Other Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Brass

Mechanical Equatorial Sundial, Johann Michael Bergauer, Ante 1745
Mechanical Equatorial Sundial, Johann Michael Bergauer, Ante 1745

Mechanical Equatorial Sundial, Johann Michael Bergauer, Ante 1745

By Johann Michael Bergauer

Located in Milano, IT

is octagonal and is supported by three turned legs. The upper face is gilded and a compass with a

Category

1730s Austrian Baroque Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Brass

Recent Sales

Large Silver Butterfield Dial French Early 18th Century
Large Silver Butterfield Dial French Early 18th Century

Large Silver Butterfield Dial French Early 18th Century

By Butterfield Paris

Located in Firenze, IT

magnetic compass with engraved rose, the reverse engraved with twenty five European cities and latitudes

Category

Early 18th Century French Louis XIV Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Silver

Early 19th Century English Inclining Sundial by William Hawks Grice London
Early 19th Century English Inclining Sundial by William Hawks Grice London

Early 19th Century English Inclining Sundial by William Hawks Grice London

Located in Firenze, IT

brass plate containing a magnetic compass with degree scale engraved on a silvered plate. The hour ring

Category

Early 19th Century British Georgian Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Brass

Magnetic Compass for Topographers Made of Brass
Magnetic Compass for Topographers Made of Brass

Magnetic Compass for Topographers Made of Brass

By Peigné

Located in Milan, IT

Rare and particular ancient magnetic compass for topographers, made of brass; instrument consisting

Category

1870s French Antique Magnetic Compass

Dry Magnetic Compass Signed J. S. Stockholm, Early 19th Century
Dry Magnetic Compass Signed J. S. Stockholm, Early 19th Century

Dry Magnetic Compass Signed J. S. Stockholm, Early 19th Century

Located in Milan, IT

Dry magnetic compass placed in its original wooden case green painted, compass card with eight

Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Wood

1900s Sestrel  Antique Nautical Magnetic Compass in its Original Wooden Box
1900s Sestrel  Antique Nautical Magnetic Compass in its Original Wooden Box

1900s Sestrel Antique Nautical Magnetic Compass in its Original Wooden Box

Located in Milan, IT

Magnetic compass on universal joint in its original wooden box with slot lid, signed Sestrel in the

Category

Early 1900s British Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Brass

Magnetic Compass Signed Henry Browne & Son Ltd Sestrel, Early 20th Century
Magnetic Compass Signed Henry Browne & Son Ltd Sestrel, Early 20th Century

Magnetic Compass Signed Henry Browne & Son Ltd Sestrel, Early 20th Century

Located in Milan, IT

Hand magnetic bearing compass, signed Henry Browne & Son Ltd Sestrel n. 4359 Made in England, made

Category

Early 20th Century British Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Brass

Survey Compass Swiss Made in 1918 for U.S. Engineer Corps
Survey Compass Swiss Made in 1918 for U.S. Engineer Corps

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

1910s Swiss Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Brass

Brass Binnacle for Lifeboat, 1920s
Brass Binnacle for Lifeboat, 1920s

Brass Binnacle for Lifeboat, 1920s

Sold

H 10.24 in Dm 9.85 in

Brass Binnacle for Lifeboat, 1920s

Located in Milan, IT

Liquid compass mounted on universal joint made in 1920s. It's a magnetic compass with gimbals

Category

1920s Antique Magnetic Compass

English Compass Ship's log, 40's, teak and brass, 19th century compass. XIX
English Compass Ship's log, 40's, teak and brass, 19th century compass. XIX

English Compass Ship's log, 40's, teak and brass, 19th century compass. XIX

By Ainsley South Shields

Located in Valladolid, ES

brass following the model created by Lionel Corp in 1943 for the US Navy. Inside it presents a magnetic

Category

1880s English Arts and Crafts Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Bronze, Iron

19th Century Antique Oakwood Magnetic Surveyng Compass English Manufacture
19th Century Antique Oakwood Magnetic Surveyng Compass English Manufacture

19th Century Antique Oakwood Magnetic Surveyng Compass English Manufacture

Located in Milan, IT

Magnetic surveying compass, oakwood with brass hinges and closing hooks, instrument consisting of a

Category

1870s British Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Brass

1920s Antique Brass Magnetic Pocket Compass Antique Nautical Objects
1920s Antique Brass Magnetic Pocket Compass Antique Nautical Objects

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 Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Brass

Magnetic Hand Bearing Compass Henry Browne & Son Ltd Sestrel London 1900s
Magnetic Hand Bearing Compass Henry Browne & Son Ltd Sestrel London 1900s

Magnetic Hand Bearing Compass Henry Browne & Son Ltd Sestrel London 1900s

Located in Milan, IT

Compass by hand magnetic sensing, signed Henry Browne & Son Ltd Sestrel No. 9890/b Made in England, Barking & London from the early 1900s. Height cm 23- inches 9, compass diamete...

Category

Early 1900s Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Brass

Prismatic Bearing Brass Compass
Prismatic Bearing Brass Compass

Prismatic Bearing Brass Compass

Sold

H 0.79 in Dm 2.09 in

Prismatic Bearing Brass Compass

Located in Milan, IT

sight and the north indicated by the magnetic needle. Complete with compass card lock. Very good

Category

1910s Swiss Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Brass

Prismatic Bearing Brass Compass
Prismatic Bearing Brass Compass

Prismatic Bearing Brass Compass

Sold

H 0.79 in Dm 2.09 in

Prismatic Bearing Brass Compass

Located in Milan, IT

sight and the north indicated by the magnetic needle. Complete with compass card lock. Very good

Category

1910s Swiss Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Brass

Brass Prismatic Bearing Compass, 1918
Brass Prismatic Bearing Compass, 1918

Brass Prismatic Bearing Compass, 1918

Sold

H 0.79 in Dm 2.09 in L 0.79 in

Brass Prismatic Bearing Compass, 1918

Located in Milan, IT

by the magnetic needle. Complete with compass card lock. Very good condition, fully functional

Category

1910s British Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Brass

Oak Compass German Manufacture of the Late 19th Century
Oak Compass German Manufacture of the Late 19th Century

Oak Compass German Manufacture of the Late 19th Century

Located in Milan, IT

Magnetic topographic compass, of oak and brass; instrument consisting of a magnetized needle free

Category

1880s German Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Brass

Brass Topographic Compass Placed in Its Original Walnut Box
Brass Topographic Compass Placed in Its Original Walnut Box

Brass Topographic Compass Placed in Its Original Walnut Box

By Stoppani

Located in Milan, IT

on a horizontal plane, marking with its point the direction of the magnetic north, compass card with

Category

1910s Swiss Antique Magnetic Compass

Chromed Brass Compass English Manufacture of the Early 1900s
Chromed Brass Compass English Manufacture of the Early 1900s

Chromed Brass Compass English Manufacture of the Early 1900s

Located in Milan, IT

Magnetic chromed brass compass with a wide chain with hook, English manufacture of the early 1900s

Category

Early 20th Century British Antique Magnetic Compass

Survey Compass Swiss Made in 1915 for U.S. Engineer Corps
Survey Compass Swiss Made in 1915 for U.S. Engineer Corps

Survey Compass Swiss Made in 1915 for U.S. Engineer Corps

Located in Milan, IT

Rare magnetic nautical survey compass, brass, Cruchon & Emons Berne Swiss n. n. 54826 made in 1915

Category

1910s Swiss Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Brass

Survey Compass Swiss Made in 1918 for U.S. Engineer Corps
Survey Compass Swiss Made in 1918 for U.S. Engineer Corps

Survey Compass Swiss Made in 1918 for U.S. Engineer Corps

Located in Milan, IT

Rare magnetic nautical survey compass, brass, Cruchon & Emons Berne Swiss n. 55929 made in 1918 for

Category

1910s Swiss Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Brass

Sestrel Compass Late 19th Century, Brass and Wood Support base made of Brass
Sestrel Compass Late 19th Century, Brass and Wood Support base made of Brass

Sestrel Compass Late 19th Century, Brass and Wood Support base made of Brass

By Henry Browne & Son Ltd Sestrel

Located in Milan, IT

Hand-held magnetic bearing compass, signed Henry Browne & Son Ltd Sestrel Made in England, late

Category

1880s British Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Brass

End 19th Century  Antique Brass Nautical Magnetic Compass on a Mahogany Board
End 19th Century  Antique Brass Nautical Magnetic Compass on a Mahogany Board

End 19th Century Antique Brass Nautical Magnetic Compass on a Mahogany Board

Located in Milan, IT

Brass and glass compass on universal joint from the end of the 19th century. Mounted on custom made

Category

1890s British Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Brass

Nautical themed Desk Compendium Industrial rotating Globe Clock
Nautical themed Desk Compendium Industrial rotating Globe Clock

Nautical themed Desk Compendium Industrial rotating Globe Clock

Located in London, GB

sides of case a thermometer set into an anchor with aneroid barometer and small magnetic compass. 8 day

Category

1880s French Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Onyx, Bronze

Metal Carved Bone Feng Shui Luopan
Metal Carved Bone Feng Shui Luopan

Metal Carved Bone Feng Shui Luopan

Sold

H 2 in W 5.13 in D 5.13 in

Metal Carved Bone Feng Shui Luopan

Located in Guaynabo, PR

part that has a metal chain used to carry it. The Luopan is a traditional magnetic compass used in the

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Bone

1917s British Aviation Officers Antique Magnetic Brass Pocket Compass
1917s British Aviation Officers Antique Magnetic Brass Pocket Compass

1917s British Aviation Officers Antique Magnetic Brass Pocket Compass

Located in Milan, IT

Pocket compass used by British aviation officers of chromed brass in the shape of a pocket watch

Category

1910s Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Brass

1900s Brass Pocket Magnetic Vintage Compass Magnapole  Antique Nautical Objects
1900s Brass Pocket Magnetic Vintage Compass Magnapole  Antique Nautical Objects

1900s Brass Pocket Magnetic Vintage Compass Magnapole Antique Nautical Objects

Located in Milan, IT

away from magnetic fields to check the ship's heading. The compass is complete with protractor circle

Category

Early 20th Century British Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Brass

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Antique Cassa Forte Safe, Italy, Late 18th / Early 19th Century
Antique Cassa Forte Safe, Italy, Late 18th / Early 19th Century

Antique Cassa Forte Safe, Italy, Late 18th / Early 19th Century

Located in Lewes, East Sussex

Antique Cassa Forte Safe, Italy, Late 18th / Early 19th Century. In very good orginal condition, working, with original key. Fast shipping worldwide.

Category

Early 19th Century Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Iron

English Mahogany Oval Sea Captains Leather Top Desk, Circa 1800
English Mahogany Oval Sea Captains Leather Top Desk, Circa 1800

English Mahogany Oval Sea Captains Leather Top Desk, Circa 1800

Located in Charleston, SC

English mahogany oval sea captains desk with hinged leather top concealing two upper hidden compartments, single front drawer, original brasses, ebony string inlay, two hinged lower ...

Category

Early 1800s English George III Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Brass

18th Century Wrought Iron Italian Hobnail Antique Safe Strong Box Cabinet
18th Century Wrought Iron Italian Hobnail Antique Safe Strong Box Cabinet

18th Century Wrought Iron Italian Hobnail Antique Safe Strong Box Cabinet

Located in Carimate, Como

Beautiful and rare example of late 18th century Italian master blacksmith craftsmanship. This exceptional antique studded safe, with its typical all-around hobnails and great wrought...

Category

Late 18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Metal, Wrought Iron

Early 19th century painted iron safe
Early 19th century painted iron safe

Early 19th century painted iron safe

$1,599

H 21.25 in W 14 in D 12.5 in

Early 19th century painted iron safe

Located in Debenham, Suffolk

Early 19th century painted iron safe circa 1830. We are pleased to offer this cast iron safe in near original condition and still functioning today. Cast fielded panels to front an...

Category

Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Iron

Antique Very Rare German Gothic Crossbow 1470-1563
Antique Very Rare German Gothic Crossbow 1470-1563

Antique Very Rare German Gothic Crossbow 1470-1563

$75,000

H 29.53 in W 19.3 in D 3.94 in

Antique Very Rare German Gothic Crossbow 1470-1563

Located in Doha, QA

A rare and beautifully preserved 15th-century German crossbow, created as a true weapon of war or defense,.This piece is a remarkable survival from the Gothic period, with all of its...

Category

16th Century German Gothic Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Iron

20th Century English Leather Trunk
20th Century English Leather Trunk

20th Century English Leather Trunk

$4,869

H 20.08 in W 24.02 in D 24.02 in

20th Century English Leather Trunk

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

Large 20th Century English leather trunk. With fabulous deep patination consistent with decades of polishing and original cream linen interior. With copper studs and brass locks and ...

Category

20th Century English Edwardian Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Brass, Copper

Antique Rare Italian Renaissance Tournament Helmet 1520-1550 with Original Stand
Antique Rare Italian Renaissance Tournament Helmet 1520-1550 with Original Stand

Antique Rare Italian Renaissance Tournament Helmet 1520-1550 with Original Stand

Located in Doha, QA

An exceptionally rare and evocative 16th- century Gothic Italian (Pisa) tournament helmet, forged entirely in wrought iron, weight 2.9 kg and presented together with its original pe...

Category

16th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Wrought Iron

American Solid Brass Five Spoke Ringed Yacht Wheel, Circa 1870
American Solid Brass Five Spoke Ringed Yacht Wheel, Circa 1870

American Solid Brass Five Spoke Ringed Yacht Wheel, Circa 1870

Located in Charleston, SC

American solid brass five spoke ringed yacht wheel with original brass hub, Late 19th century.

Category

1870s American American Empire Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Brass

One Antique Wood Iron Industrial Rolling Cart
One Antique Wood Iron Industrial Rolling Cart

One Antique Wood Iron Industrial Rolling Cart

$720Sale Price / item|55% Off

H 15 in W 48 in D 28 in

One Antique Wood Iron Industrial Rolling Cart

Located in Pasadena, TX

Cast iron wheels for mobility. Posts can be removed to use as a coffee table. See additional photos. Measure: 48" length x 28" depth x 45" height Very good original vintage. A...

Category

19th Century European Industrial Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Wood

Authentic Eight-Spoke Ship's Wheel
Authentic Eight-Spoke Ship's Wheel

Authentic Eight-Spoke Ship's Wheel

Located in Norwell, MA

Eight-spoke ship's wheel with turned spokes, a brass hub and band inlay. Overall dimensions: 38" diameter.

Category

20th Century Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Wood

1920s Small Beige Vellum Steamer Trunk
1920s Small Beige Vellum Steamer Trunk

1920s Small Beige Vellum Steamer Trunk

$1,633

H 11.82 in W 17.33 in D 16.15 in

1920s Small Beige Vellum Steamer Trunk

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

This beautiful hat trunk features a very warm cream color vellum and golden brass locks. Its interior is in beige canvas. Clean and fresh original interior . It could be a wonderful ...

Category

1920s English Art Deco Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Leather

Antique German Silver Music Box in the Form of a Grand Piano
Antique German Silver Music Box in the Form of a Grand Piano

Antique German Silver Music Box in the Form of a Grand Piano

Located in London, GB

This charming antique silver musical box features a singing bird, which appears from an opening oval. The musical box is exquisitely crafted in the shape of a miniature grand piano, ...

Category

19th Century German Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Silver

Acoustic or Electric Jazz Guitar, Silvertone, 1950s
Acoustic or Electric Jazz Guitar, Silvertone, 1950s

Acoustic or Electric Jazz Guitar, Silvertone, 1950s

By Silvertone

Located in Buffalo, NY

Great player... sounds amazing,, classic 1950s acoustic/ electric jazz guitar made by Silvertone,, Retains original Kent floating pick-up.Wonderful tone,,straight neck,,perfect inton...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Chrome

18th Century Oak Corner Library Cupboard
18th Century Oak Corner Library Cupboard

18th Century Oak Corner Library Cupboard

$54,449

H 89.77 in W 81.89 in D 15.75 in

18th Century Oak Corner Library Cupboard

Located in Vosselaar, BE

This mid-18th century oak corner cupboard originates from the Prebysterie (living quarters of a pastor) of the small Normandy village of Foie, now part of Normanville. It was reputed...

Category

Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Oak

Minton 19th C Gilt Dessert Service 15 Pc. W/ Parian Figures Hand Painted Roses
Minton 19th C Gilt Dessert Service 15 Pc. W/ Parian Figures Hand Painted Roses

Minton 19th C Gilt Dessert Service 15 Pc. W/ Parian Figures Hand Painted Roses

By Minton

Located in Great Barrington, MA

Beyond belief! This set is museum worthy, exhibiting some of the finest workmanship Minton produced. The centerpiece features an exquisite pierced tall basket lifted up by 3 tall Par...

Category

1890s English Neoclassical Antique Magnetic Compass

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of English Polished Steel Ship Lanterns ( Meteorite Firm )
Pair of English Polished Steel Ship Lanterns ( Meteorite Firm )

Pair of English Polished Steel Ship Lanterns ( Meteorite Firm )

Located in Charleston, SC

Pair of English polished steel ship lanterns. Signed by maker , Meteorite and stamped Port and Starboard. Dealers please call for trade price.

Category

20th Century British Antique Magnetic Compass

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Antique Magnetic Compass For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the antique magnetic compass you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Each antique magnetic compass for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using brass, metal and wood. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect antique magnetic compass — we have versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. E. Vion Paris and Peigné each produced at least one beautiful antique magnetic compass that is worth considering.

Finding the Right Collectibles-curiosities for You

Antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities can bring whimsy and wonder to any interior. 

Decorating with old scientific instruments, historical memorabilia and vintage musical 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. 

And bringing collectibles and curiosities into your space is actually on trend — Wunderkammern, or curiosity cabinets, were all the rage in Europe during the 1500s and continued to have adherents there and in the U.S. in the following centuries. Today, however, they’re experiencing a real surge in popularity and influencing how many interior designers are furnishing and decorating homes — combining contemporary with antique, scientific with tribal, earthly with extraterrestrial, Les Lalanne tables with Flemish tapestries.

The original Wunderkammern were entire rooms filled with objects demonstrating their owners’ worldly knowledge: A proper one included artificiala or preciosa (objets d’art); naturalia (such as skeletons, shells, minerals); exotica (taxidermy or dried plants); and scientifica (scientific instruments), frequently alongside religious relics and ancient artifacts.

Pay tribute to a history of rich and diverse musical traditions that have taken shape all over the world by decorating your home with a collection of antique and vintage musical instruments — with a little help from strong hanging wire or some wall hooks, vintage brass instruments such as a gong, French horn or trumpet can help elevate a home office or complement the efforts you’ve made to ensure a welcoming vibe in your home’s entryway. Bells or antique wind instruments can add provocative metallic contrasts to dark woods as tabletop decorative objects.  

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.

Wanderlust, nostalgia and a shared love of good design are contributing factors to certain trends in decorating — just as vintage trunks and luggage have reappeared as furniture or home accents in a bedroom or foyer, decorating with globes, maps or nautical objects is similarly rooted in the allure of travel and a penchant for the stylish finishing touch that collectibles bring to our homes.

Find a wide range of antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities on 1stDibs.

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