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Antique Pocket Compass

WWI British Military Pocket Compass of Brass with Original Leather Case
Located in Austin, TX
A working British marching or sighting compass of brass with original leather case from World War I
Category

1910s English Edwardian Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Metal, Brass

Fine Brass Cased Pocket Compass by Short & Mason Ltd., London c.1910
By Short & Mason
Located in Bath, GB
A very fine English brass cased compass, professionally cleaned and polished restoring it to it's
Category

1910s British Edwardian Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Brass

Antique Victorian silk albertina and gilt compass
Located in NEWARK, GB
A lovely antique Victorian era black silk ribbon fob with a gilt compass. The long black silk fob
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Gilt Metal

Antique English WW1 Military Issued Compass - 1917
Located in Bath, GB
A good nickel plated WW1 British Officers Military Pocket Compass engraved on the lid with the war
Category

1910s British Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Nickel

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

1910s British Edwardian Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Brass

F. Rotig Havre, a Rare Gold Open Face Keyless Quarter Repeating Calendar with Co
Located in London, GB
F.Rotig Havre 18Kt Rose Gold and Enamel Keyless Quarter Repeating Calendar Open face 50mm Pocket
Category

18th Century French Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

Compass with Pocket Sundial, with Case, Bronze, Butterfield, Michael '1635-1724'
Located in Madrid, ES
Compass with pocket sundial, with case. Bronze. BUTTERFIELD, Michael (1635-1724). Paris, circa 1700
Category

Early 18th Century French Neoclassical Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Other

Rare Silver Pocket Sundial and Compass by Michael Butterfield, Paris, circa 1700
By Butterfield Paris
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
A beautiful, rare solid silver Anglo-French octagonal pocket sundial with compass by Michael
Category

Late 17th Century French Louis XIV Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Silver

Recent Sales

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

Late 19th Century English Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Brass

Yellow Gold and Enamel Compass
Located in London, GB
18k yellow gold and enamel compass
Category

Late 19th Century Swiss Victorian Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

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

Mid-17th Century Dutch Antique Pocket Compass

Pocket Compass
Located in Lincolnshire, GB
A 19th century pocket compass with the owners name engraved on the cover.
Category

19th Century English Antique Pocket Compass

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

1920s British Antique Pocket Compass

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

1920s French Antique Pocket Compass

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

1910s British Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Brass

Antique Folding Pocket Compass, Pillar Divider, Drawing Instrument, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique folding pocket compass. An English, Electrum alloy pillar-type divider drawing
Category

Early 20th Century British Victorian Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Metal

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 Antique Pocket Compass

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

1910s British Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Brass

WW1 British Officers Military Pocket Compass by Army & Navy c.1916
By Army & Navy CSL
Located in Bath, GB
A good nickel plated WW1 British Officers Military Pocket Compass signed on the lid interior "A
Category

1910s British Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Nickel

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

Early 1900s British Antique Pocket Compass

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 Antique Pocket Compass

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

1910s British Antique Pocket Compass

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

1910s British Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Brass

WW1 British Officers Military Pocket Compass by F.Darton & Co - 1917
Located in Bath, GB
A good nickel plated WW1 British Officers Military Pocket Compass signed on the front cover
Category

1910s British Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Nickel

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

1910s British Antique Pocket Compass

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

1910s American Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Brass

Pocket Compass Used by the Royal Air Force Officers in 1915
Located in Milan, IT
Pocket compass for a British air force officer signed Short & Mason Ltd London V 12544 1915, made
Category

1910s British Antique Pocket Compass

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

1910s Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Brass

Pocket Compass for a US Army Officers Signed Keuffel & Esser Co NY WWI
Located in Milan, IT
Pocket compass signed Keuffel & Esser Co New York, used by US Army officers during the First World
Category

1910s American Antique Pocket Compass

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

1910s British Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

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

19th Century Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Brass

English Georgian Pocket Compass circa 1800 in Mahogany Case
Located in Bath, GB
A very handsome Georgian compass dating to around 1800 set in a hinged mahogany block measuring 3
Category

Early 1800s George III Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Mahogany

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

1910s Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Brass

Small English Georgian Pocket Compass circa 1800 in Mahogany Case
Located in Bath, GB
A very handsome Georgian compass dating to around 1800 set in a hinged mahogany block measuring 2
Category

Early 1800s English Georgian Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Mahogany

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

1910s Antique Pocket Compass

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

1910s Antique Pocket Compass

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

1880s English Late Victorian Antique Pocket Compass

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

Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

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

1890s British Late Victorian Antique Pocket Compass

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

1880s English Late Victorian Antique Pocket Compass

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

1910s Antique Pocket Compass

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

Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Sterling Silver, Brass

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

1910s British Antique Pocket Compass

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

1870s British Antique Pocket Compass

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

1910s American Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Brass

Antique Pocket Explorer's Compass, English, Navigation Instrument, Victorian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique pocket explorer's compass. An English, mahogany cased instrument, dating to the
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Wood

1916 Old Pocket Brass Compass for a Royal Air Force Officer Signed Short & Mason
Located in Milan, IT
Pocket compass for a Royal air force officer signed Short & Mason Ltd London 1916 V 110312 made of
Category

1910s British Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Brass

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 Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Brass

Brass Compass the Magnapole, Early 1900s
Located in Milan, IT
some compasses made by the Short & Mason Company and some pocket compasses made in collaboration with
Category

Early 20th Century British Antique Pocket Compass

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

1910s Antique Pocket Compass

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

19th Century Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Wood

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

Early 1900s Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Brass

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

1860s British Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Brass

Continental Wood Pocket Sundial and Compass 1780ca
Located in Firenze, IT
A carved Continental wood pocket sundial and compass, with precision carved numbers and a small
Category

1780s German Neoclassical Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Wood

17TH C FRENCH SILVER POCKET SUNDIAL COMPASS
Located in Essex, MA
A late 17th century French silver pocket sundial, engraved "Butterfield a Paris", by Michael
Category

18th Century and Earlier French Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Silver

J. H. Steward Pocket Military Compass c.1890
Located in Bath, GB
A J. H. Steward Singer's Patent-type Pocket Military Compass, dating from c.1890 - 1910. This
Category

1890s British Late Victorian Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Brass

Antique English Pocket Magnifying Glass / Loop with Compass, c.1910
Located in Bath, GB
century, circa 1910. What of course makes it highly collectable is the inset working compass. A novelty
Category

1910s British Edwardian Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Brass

Antique English Pocket Magnifying Glass / Loop With Compass c.1920
Located in Bath, GB
century, c.1920. What of course makes it highly collectable is the inset working compass. A novelty piece
Category

1920s British Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Brass

Antique English Pocket Magnifying Glass / Loop With Compass c.1910
Located in Bath, GB
century, c.1910. What of course makes it highly collectable is the inset working compass. A novelty piece
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Brass

Antique c.1910 English Pocket Magnifying Glass / Loop With Compass
Located in Bath, GB
century, c.1910. What of course makes it highly collectable is the inset working compass. A novelty piece
Category

1910s European Edwardian Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Brass

Antique English Pocket Magnifying Glass / Loop With Compass c.1910
Located in Bath, GB
century, c.1910. What of course makes it highly collectable is the inset working compass. A novelty piece
Category

1910s British Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Brass

A Brass Pocket Sundial And Compass Signed Pigeon A Lion
By Butterfield Paris
Located in Firenze, IT
pocket sundials are tipically made by "Butterfield" of Paris, other makers are considerably rarer.
Category

Early 18th Century French Neoclassical Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Brass

Silver Pocket Sundial Compass French Jean Baptiste Nicolas DELURE 1695-1736
Located in Firenze, IT
covered by the seller (customs duties included). Silver pocket sundial. The instrument features the
Category

1710s French Louis XVI Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Silver

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

18th Century German Grand Tour Antique Pocket Compass

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

Early 1900s French Antique Pocket Compass

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

1910s British Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Brass

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Handsome, hardly ever worn Gentlemen’s Rolex President Day Date watch, Ref 18038 dated late 1986.It is crafted in 18k yellow gold. Featuring All Original scratch resistant Sapphire C...
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1980s Swiss Modern Antique Pocket Compass

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Diamond, 18k Gold

Jules Jurgensen Retro 14 Karat Yellow Gold Men's Dress Watch
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Quintessential 1950's styling by well known Swiss Watch Company, Jules Jurgensen. This 34mm 14 karat yellow gold retro beauty has an automatic 17 jewel movement, serial number 300354...
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1950s Swiss Retro Antique Pocket Compass

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Antique 2.42 Carat Bloodstone and 14k Yellow Gold Signet Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 2.42 carat bloodstone and 14k yellow gold signet ring; part of our diverse antique signet rings collection. This fine and impressive antique signet r...
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1890s Antique Pocket Compass

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Antique Diamond Mourning Brooch, Pendant, Black Enamel and 15k Gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
This is truly one of the most spectacular and beautiful antique mourning brooches of its design. It is a very large sized brooch and can also be worn as a pendant, it is a knot form...
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19th Century British Victorian Antique Pocket Compass

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Diamond, Enamel, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold, 15k Gold

Vivienne Westwood Corset SS 1992 Runway Worn Rare Collectors black lace ICONIC
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1990s British Antique Pocket Compass

Victorian 15 Kt Gold Fob Collection on Split Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Four Victorian 15 Kt Gold Fobs , lush with engraving and texture will come on their original split ring. All are c. 1860. Two fobs have bloodstone at bottom. They are tactile and lik...
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1860s British George V Antique Pocket Compass

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Agate, Gold, 15k Gold

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1990s Swiss Antique Pocket Compass

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Day-Date Rose Gold 40mm Olive green with box and papers
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Located in Bilbao, ES
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21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Gold, Rose Gold

Boucheron Vintage Silver Chiseled Ruby Butterfly Flower Motif Lipstick Case
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1940s Art Deco Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Ruby, Gold Plate, Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, Silver, Vermeil

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

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Pocket Compass

Materials

Brass

Antique 14ct Gold Edwardian Carved Sardonyx Cameo Earrings
Located in Brighton, GB
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Early 20th Century European Edwardian Antique Pocket Compass

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Gold, 14k Gold

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Early 19th Century British Early Victorian Antique Pocket Compass

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1910s French Antique Pocket Compass

Antique Louis Vuitton Picnic Motor Trunk
Antique Louis Vuitton Picnic Motor Trunk
H 15.75 in W 35.44 in D 19.69 in
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1920s French Art Deco Antique Pocket Compass

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Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Antique 9k gold Croquet seal fob pendant, Carnelian
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19th Century British Victorian Antique Pocket Compass

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Carnelian, 9k Gold

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Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Pocket Compass

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Antique Pocket Compass For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the antique pocket compass you’re looking for. Each antique pocket compass for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, brass and glass. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer antique pocket compass, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. An antique pocket compass made by Victorian designers — as well as those associated with Georgian — is very popular. A well-made antique pocket compass has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Ceebynite Short & Mason Taylor, Butterfield Paris and Short & Mason are consistently popular.

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.

Questions About Antique Pocket 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Antique compasses work with the use of magnets. Compasses use a magnetized needle that can rotate to line up with the Earth’s magnetic field, pointing towards the magnetic north. The basic concept of how compasses work has not changed over several centuries and magnetic compasses continue to work well today. Shop a variety of antique compasses on 1stDibs.

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