Skip to main content

Copper Compass Nautical

W. Hartmann Antique Oak & Copper Ships Binnacle Nautical Maritime Compass
W. Hartmann Antique Oak & Copper Ships Binnacle Nautical Maritime Compass

W. Hartmann Antique Oak & Copper Ships Binnacle Nautical Maritime Compass

By A. Lietz Co.

Located in Dayton, OH

Late 19th Century Ships Binnacle by W. Hartmann. Binnacles are an important navigation tool. They are often in the helm of the ship and allow sailor to maintain the correct course. T...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Late Victorian Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass, Copper

Pre World War 1 Nautical Compass by E.S.Ritchie
Pre World War 1 Nautical Compass by E.S.Ritchie

Pre World War 1 Nautical Compass by E.S.Ritchie

By E.S. Ritchie & Co

Located in Norwich, GB

Pre World War I Nautical Compass by E.S.Ritchie Nautical compass mounted by a brass gimbal into a copper brass bound case with sloping glazed aperture with heavily bevelled glass.

Category

Antique Early 1900s Nautical Objects

Materials

Copper

Antique Copper Brass Nautical Maritime Gimbal Compass Binnacle Ship Oil Lamp 14
Antique Copper Brass Nautical Maritime Gimbal Compass Binnacle Ship Oil Lamp 14

Antique Copper Brass Nautical Maritime Gimbal Compass Binnacle Ship Oil Lamp 14

By Maitland Smith

Located in Dayton, OH

Antique English nautical / maritime ship / Yacht / lifeboat binnacle gimbal compass with rare double oil lamps.

Category

Early 20th Century British Colonial Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Pre World War I Nautical Compass by E.S.Ritchie
Pre World War I Nautical Compass by E.S.Ritchie

Pre World War I Nautical Compass by E.S.Ritchie

Located in Norwich, GB

Pre World War I Nautical Compass by E.S.Ritchie Nautical compass mounted by a brass gimbal into a copper brass bound case with sloping glazed aperture with heavily bevelled glass.

Category

Vintage 1910s Nautical Objects

Materials

Copper

British Royal Navy Pattern 183 Brass Boat Binnacle Compass
British Royal Navy Pattern 183 Brass Boat Binnacle Compass

British Royal Navy Pattern 183 Brass Boat Binnacle Compass

Located in Nottingham, GB

Constructed from heavy gauge brass and copper, this naval binnacle is characterised by its domed hood, sturdy top carry handle, and a hinged glazed observation port. Designed for res...

Category

Mid-20th Century Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass, Copper

Recent Sales

Boat Binnacle Compass
Boat Binnacle Compass

Boat Binnacle Compass

Unavailable

H 40 in Dm 28 in

Boat Binnacle Compass

Located in Brest, FR

Japanese Compact Binnacle Compass made by Nunotani Seiki Seisakusho Co. Ltd. Complete with its compensating balls, oil lamp. Aluminum and brass H 40 cm / D 28 cm 18 kg.  

Category

Vintage 1950s Japanese Nautical Objects

Materials

Aluminum, Copper

Antique Table Top Nautical Display Binnacle Compass
Antique Table Top Nautical Display Binnacle Compass

Antique Table Top Nautical Display Binnacle Compass

Unavailable

H 20 in W 13.5 in D 14 in Dm 6.25 in

Antique Table Top Nautical Display Binnacle Compass

Located in Palm City, FL

Modified to preserve the top section only, this table top display binnacle makes a dramatic statement of importance. It is a perfect gift or serves as a focal point in any decor. ...

Category

Antique 19th Century Scientific Instruments

Materials

Copper, Brass

Nautical Copper Lifeboat Compass, Mid-century American
Nautical Copper Lifeboat Compass, Mid-century American

Nautical Copper Lifeboat Compass, Mid-century American

Located in Nantucket, MA

A working copper compass from an American Ship's lifeboat. The lid closes to protect it from the elements and the original plaque is still mounted on the front face of the box, midce...

Category

20th Century American Nautical Objects

Materials

Copper

Copper Lifeboat Compass, American, C. 1970's
Copper Lifeboat Compass, American, C. 1970's

Copper Lifeboat Compass, American, C. 1970's

Located in Nantucket, MA

An American, copper, liquid compass from a ship's lifeboat. It has a snap-shut lid to protect it from the elements and the original brass bolts that held into place. The compass sits...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Nautical Objects

Materials

Copper

Vintage Cased Compass, English, Copper, Bronze, Maritime, Navigation Instrument
Vintage Cased Compass, English, Copper, Bronze, Maritime, Navigation Instrument

Vintage Cased Compass, English, Copper, Bronze, Maritime, Navigation Instrument

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is a vintage cased compass. An English, copper and bronze maritime navigation instrument, dating to the mid 20th century, circa 1940. Of pleasing weight in the hand and appea...

Category

Mid-20th Century British Nautical Objects

Materials

Copper

Nautical Copper Lifeboat Compass, Midcentury American
Nautical Copper Lifeboat Compass, Midcentury American

Nautical Copper Lifeboat Compass, Midcentury American

Located in Nantucket, MA

A working copper compass from an American Ship's lifeboat. The lid closes to protect it from the elements and the original plaque is still mounted on the front face of the box, mid-c...

Category

20th Century American Industrial Nautical Objects

Materials

Copper

Copper and Brass Gimballed Nautical Compass, English
Copper and Brass Gimballed Nautical Compass, English

Copper and Brass Gimballed Nautical Compass, English

Located in Nantucket, MA

A midcentury copper and brass gimballed compass on a custom made a brass stand.

Category

Mid-20th Century English Industrial Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass, Copper

Midcentury Copper and Brass Gimballed Nautical Compass, English
Midcentury Copper and Brass Gimballed Nautical Compass, English

Midcentury Copper and Brass Gimballed Nautical Compass, English

Located in Nantucket, MA

A midcentury copper and brass gimballed compass on a custom made a brass stand.

Category

Mid-20th Century English Industrial Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass, Copper

Copper and Brass Ship's Nautical Compass on Stand
Copper and Brass Ship's Nautical Compass on Stand

Copper and Brass Ship's Nautical Compass on Stand

Located in Nantucket, MA

A Gille-Sestrel copper and brass compass from a decommissioned lifeboat. Mounted on a brass Y frame so that it continues to gimbal. Makes for a nice desk accessory and is in working ...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Industrial Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass, Copper

WWII era Lifeboat compass by Hand & Sons of Philadelphia
WWII era Lifeboat compass by Hand & Sons of Philadelphia

WWII era Lifeboat compass by Hand & Sons of Philadelphia

Located in London, GB

WWII era Lifeboat compass by John E. Hand & Sons of Philadelphia and Cherry Hill N.J. USA. MODEL NO. LMC-101-D APPROVED, US. COAST GUARD. Liquid card compass, within copper housing...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass, Copper, Enamel

You May Also Like

American Nautical Brass Yacht Binnacle Mounted in Mahogany Case, Circa 1890
American Nautical Brass Yacht Binnacle Mounted in Mahogany Case, Circa 1890

American Nautical Brass Yacht Binnacle Mounted in Mahogany Case, Circa 1890

Located in Charleston, SC

American nautical mahogany yacht binnacle with a hinged locking oval glass viewing port, original removable brass side light burner with font, brass carrying handle, and fitted with ...

Category

Antique 1890s American American Empire Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century Brass & Copper Maritime Nautical Pendant Lantern
Early 20th Century Brass & Copper Maritime Nautical Pendant Lantern

Early 20th Century Brass & Copper Maritime Nautical Pendant Lantern

Located in Atlanta, GA

This antique brass and glass hanging lantern exemplifies the robust craftsmanship and utilitarian elegance characteristic of early 20th-century maritime and industrial lighting. Its ...

Category

Early 20th Century American Industrial Lanterns

Materials

Brass, Copper

Vintage Nautical Search Light by Crouse Hinds
Vintage Nautical Search Light by Crouse Hinds

Vintage Nautical Search Light by Crouse Hinds

By Crouse-Hinds

Located in New York, NY

Vintage nautical ship search light / lantern / spotlight by Crouse Hinds. USA, circa 1930. Non-electrified. Available in multiple quantities.

Category

Vintage 1930s American Industrial Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Antique maritime navy compass
Antique maritime navy compass

Antique maritime navy compass

$962

H 3.15 in Dm 6.3 in

Antique maritime navy compass

Located in Hronská Breznica, Banskobystrický kraj

Antique maritime navy compass in very nice original condition.

Category

Antique 19th Century European Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Brass Ship Compass Lamp
Brass Ship Compass Lamp

Brass Ship Compass Lamp

$1,400

H 19 in W 9 in D 9 in

Brass Ship Compass Lamp

Located in Water Mill, NY

Brass ship compass made into lamp, early 20th century.

Category

20th Century American Table Lamps

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

A fine English ship's binnacle compass of brass - a navigational instrument used for maritime travel. A binnacle is the housing that protects the compass and helps stabilize it desp...

Category

Early 20th Century English Nautical Objects

Materials

Metal, Brass

Pocket Compass / Nautical Compass Appears to be Marked Barker and Sons of London
Pocket Compass / Nautical Compass Appears to be Marked Barker and Sons of London

Pocket Compass / Nautical Compass Appears to be Marked Barker and Sons of London

By Frances Barker & Son

Located in Warrenton, OR

Pocket Compass / Nautical Compass. Appears to be marked Barker and Sons of London. If authentic, could be circa 1890 but we are unable to confirm. Please use your own judgement on ...

Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

8396 Brass and glass nautical magnetic compass signed Star Pathfinder 1930s
8396 Brass and glass nautical magnetic compass signed Star Pathfinder 1930s

8396 Brass and glass nautical magnetic compass signed Star Pathfinder 1930s

Located in Milan, IT

Nautical magnetic compass, brass and glass signed Star Pathfinder Milton Mass Boston USA No. 60405 from the 1930s. Housed in its original mahogany wood box with slit lid and mounted...

Category

Vintage 1930s Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

English WW2 Era Brass Ship's Pedestal Binnacle Compass by Sestral
English WW2 Era Brass Ship's Pedestal Binnacle Compass by Sestral

English WW2 Era Brass Ship's Pedestal Binnacle Compass by Sestral

By Henry Browne & Son Ltd Sestrel

Located in Forney, TX

A visually striking smaller scale vintage WWII era maritime salvage ship's binnacle pedestal with compass by Sestrel Henry Browne & Son. circa 1940s The beautifully aged heavily pa...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass, Iron

Prismatic surveying compass signed T.G. Co. Ltd. London, 1942
Prismatic surveying compass signed T.G. Co. Ltd. London, 1942

Prismatic surveying compass signed T.G. Co. Ltd. London, 1942

Located in Milan, IT

Prismatic surveying compass signed T.G. Co. Ltd London no. B 168068 dated 1942, Model MK III, used by British Army officers during World War II. This is a small vintage compass, ty...

Category

Vintage 1940s Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Ship's Lifeboat Gimbaled Brass Compass on Custom Stand, Nautical Desk Accessory
Ship's Lifeboat Gimbaled Brass Compass on Custom Stand, Nautical Desk Accessory

Ship's Lifeboat Gimbaled Brass Compass on Custom Stand, Nautical Desk Accessory

Located in Nantucket, MA

A brass compass from a decommissioned ship's lifeboat from the 1970's. It would originally have been stored in a secure box. We had it mounted on a Y-shaped frame which allows it t...

Category

Vintage 1970s Industrial Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

American Solid Copper and Brass Naval Ships Binacle, Lionel Corp. NY, Circa 1942
American Solid Copper and Brass Naval Ships Binacle, Lionel Corp. NY, Circa 1942

American Solid Copper and Brass Naval Ships Binacle, Lionel Corp. NY, Circa 1942

Located in Charleston, SC

American solid copper and brass Navy ships binnacle with interior mounted compass, brass carrying handle, side mounted kerosene lantern, rear mounting bracket and brass plate inscrib...

Category

Vintage 1940s American American Craftsman Lanterns

Materials

Brass, Copper

Boxed Compass by Dirigo
Boxed Compass by Dirigo

Boxed Compass by Dirigo

$342

H 6 in W 8.5 in D 4.5 in

Boxed Compass by Dirigo

Located in Norwell, MA

Boxed compass by Dirigo of Seattle. Alcohol filled card, alloy bezel, fitted to a unique custom box via gimbal, with hinged lid. Dimensions: 8 1/2" L x 4 1/2" W x 6" H.

Category

20th Century Nautical Objects

English Brass Yacht Binnacle Mounted on Mahogany Rope Base, Southampton. C. 1870
English Brass Yacht Binnacle Mounted on Mahogany Rope Base, Southampton. C. 1870

English Brass Yacht Binnacle Mounted on Mahogany Rope Base, Southampton. C. 1870

Located in Charleston, SC

English Nautical brass yacht binnacle mounted on a mahogany rope base with an oval glass viewing port, gimballed compass, central carrying ring, and the original brass vented side li...

Category

Antique 1870s English Victorian Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Small DHR Port-Side Maritime Ship's Lamp, Copper, 24cm
Small DHR Port-Side Maritime Ship's Lamp, Copper, 24cm

Small DHR Port-Side Maritime Ship's Lamp, Copper, 24cm

Located in Poperinge, BE

A small, characterful ship's lamp—a port light—made of red copper and brass, complete with a red Fresnel lens and the DHR Holland maker's label inside; 20th century. This vintage la...

Category

20th Century Dutch Industrial Table Lamps

Materials

Brass, Copper

Brass Yacht Binnacle Compass
Brass Yacht Binnacle Compass

Brass Yacht Binnacle Compass

$995

H 15 in W 14 in D 13 in

Brass Yacht Binnacle Compass

Located in Norwell, MA

Solid brass boat compass binnacle that has been meticulously polished and lacquered. Gimballed compass inside. Mounted to a varnished wood base with carved rope border. Interior has ...

Category

Vintage 1930s North American Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

People Also Browsed

Library of Antique Leatherbound Books
Library of Antique Leatherbound Books

Library of Antique Leatherbound Books

$3,092 / set

H 61.03 in W 31.5 in D 47.25 in

Library of Antique Leatherbound Books

Located in Brønshøj, DK

This collection consists of 400 antique decorative books, mainly dating from 1850–1950, with most published before 1920. The books are bound in leather, many with fine gold leaf embo...

Category

20th Century Danish Victorian Books

Materials

Gold Leaf

Ford Aircraft Model Trimotor in Aluminium
Ford Aircraft Model Trimotor in Aluminium

Ford Aircraft Model Trimotor in Aluminium

$1,546 / item

H 9.65 in W 40.16 in D 27.17 in

Ford Aircraft Model Trimotor in Aluminium

Located in Paris, FR

Trimotor aircraft model Ford handcrafted in aluminum. Manufactured between 1926 and 1933 by Ford's own factory. Wingspan: 102cm.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Aviation Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Cold War Japanese Defence Agency 15x80 Binoculars with Illumination Control
Cold War Japanese Defence Agency 15x80 Binoculars with Illumination Control

Cold War Japanese Defence Agency 15x80 Binoculars with Illumination Control

By Kowa

Located in Leicester, Leicestershire

Japanese Type 65 Naval Binoculars (1984) by Tokyo Optical Co. – With Full Illumination Controls This outstanding set of Type 65 8cm twin-eye naval binoculars, manufactured by Tokyo O...

Category

Vintage 1980s Japanese Industrial Scientific Instruments

Materials

Aluminum, Brass, Bronze

Automaton Singing Birds
Automaton Singing Birds

Automaton Singing Birds

$4,801

H 14.5 in W 10.5 in D 8 in

Automaton Singing Birds

Located in Norwich, GB

Automaton Singing birds Automaton singing birds housed in a gilded case standing on a stepped gilded base. Three articulated singing birds standing on a green base with l...

Category

Vintage 1950s British Musical Instruments

Materials

Brass

Penedo Display Cabinet by Rute Martins, Patagonia Granite and Oak Root
Penedo Display Cabinet by Rute Martins, Patagonia Granite and Oak Root

Penedo Display Cabinet by Rute Martins, Patagonia Granite and Oak Root

By Rute Martins, Greenapple

Located in Lisboa, PT

The Penedo display cabinet by Rute Martins for Greenapple, in natural white oak root veneer with a backlit Patagonia granite back panel and antique brass details. Handcrafted in Port...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Vitrines

Materials

Quartz, Granite, Brass

British Military Officer's Campaign Trunk or Stationery Box of Brass-Bound Teak
British Military Officer's Campaign Trunk or Stationery Box of Brass-Bound Teak

British Military Officer's Campaign Trunk or Stationery Box of Brass-Bound Teak

Located in Austin, TX

A handsome rectangular British military officer's Campaign trunk or stationery box of teak featuring hand-cut brass binding and hardware, with flush opposing handles, and inlaid bras...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Campaign Trunks and Luggage

Materials

Metal, Brass

8000 Sheet Lot of Antique Extra Quality Composition Gold Leaf Foil Hastings 5.5"
8000 Sheet Lot of Antique Extra Quality Composition Gold Leaf Foil Hastings 5.5"

8000 Sheet Lot of Antique Extra Quality Composition Gold Leaf Foil Hastings 5.5"

Located in Dayton, OH

Rare and massive lot of composition gold leaf, approx. 8000 sheets. Includes: 11 intact packets (Hastings & Co, Made in Germany and Italy, 500 Sheets), 5 Open packets (equivale...

Category

Early 20th Century American Victorian Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Paper

Mid-Century Swiss Brass Singing Bird Automaton Cage Attributed to Reuge
Mid-Century Swiss Brass Singing Bird Automaton Cage Attributed to Reuge

Mid-Century Swiss Brass Singing Bird Automaton Cage Attributed to Reuge

By Reuge Ste-Croix

Located in Dallas, TX

This charming vintage Swiss singing bird automaton combines intricate mechanical craftsmanship with delightful decorative artistry. Crafted in Switzerland circa 1960 and attributed t...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Bird Cages

Materials

Brass

19th Century Regency Pembroke Drop-Leaf Table
19th Century Regency Pembroke Drop-Leaf Table

19th Century Regency Pembroke Drop-Leaf Table

$900

H 27.5 in W 37 in D 19.5 in

19th Century Regency Pembroke Drop-Leaf Table

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Unique 19th century English Pembroke drop-leaf table made in the Regency taste. Features a mahogany case supported by faux bamboo legs ending with toupie feet and casters. The table ...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Regency Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables

Materials

Brass

Fabergé Style Bejewelled and Enamelled Gold Egg by Asprey
Fabergé Style Bejewelled and Enamelled Gold Egg by Asprey

Fabergé Style Bejewelled and Enamelled Gold Egg by Asprey

By Garrard & Co. Ltd., Asprey International Limited

Located in London, GB

This exceptional, 18 carat gold Easter egg was crafted by the famous London-based royal jewellers, Asprey & Co. The piece was then retailed by Garrard & Co, who once worked i...

Category

1990s English Decorative Boxes

Materials

Gold

Pair of 1940s French Hand Sconces
Pair of 1940s French Hand Sconces

Pair of 1940s French Hand Sconces

$9,200 / set

H 18.5 in W 5 in D 6.5 in

Pair of 1940s French Hand Sconces

Located in Chicago, IL

Two bronze hand sconces with paper shades. French, 1940s. Wired for USA, 75W maximum.

Category

Vintage 1940s French Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Bronze

Antique Pharmacy Cabinet, Walnut Bookcases and Glass Doors with Sign, '800 Italy
Antique Pharmacy Cabinet, Walnut Bookcases and Glass Doors with Sign, '800 Italy

Antique Pharmacy Cabinet, Walnut Bookcases and Glass Doors with Sign, '800 Italy

$59,553Sale Price|20% Off

H 104.34 in W 153.55 in D 19.69 in

Antique Pharmacy Cabinet, Walnut Bookcases and Glass Doors with Sign, '800 Italy

Located in Cuneo, Italy (CN)

Complete antique pharmacy cabinet, with 3 open bookcases on the sides, 1 bookcase with drawers and 2 original doors with glass and enameled mirror sign. Built in the mid-19th century...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Apothecary Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Two Day Marine Chronometer, John Bliss, New York
Two Day Marine Chronometer, John Bliss, New York

Two Day Marine Chronometer, John Bliss, New York

$9,876

H 7.75 in W 7.5 in D 7.5 in

Two Day Marine Chronometer, John Bliss, New York

By John Bliss & Co.

Located in Norwich, GB

A Fine Two Day Marine Chronometer By John Bliss and Co, New York. No.3068 Two day marine chromometer by John Bliss and Co housed in a beautiful three tier brass bound box with brass...

Category

Antique 1890s English Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

1 BANGA space age micro architecture prefab house bungalow by Carlo Zappa, 1971
1 BANGA space age micro architecture prefab house bungalow by Carlo Zappa, 1971

1 BANGA space age micro architecture prefab house bungalow by Carlo Zappa, 1971

By Carlo Zappa

Located in Hyères, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

here we offer one of 2 bangas, with black interior. the second one with light grey interior is offered in another listing. a banga shows ways in which we could live more sustainably...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Space Age Architectural Elements

Materials

Fiberglass

Cartier Blue Enamel Art Deco Style Desk Clock
Cartier Blue Enamel Art Deco Style Desk Clock

Cartier Blue Enamel Art Deco Style Desk Clock

By Cartier

Located in Norwich, GB

Cartier Blue Enamel Art Deco Style Desk Clock Cartier Art Deco style desk clock housed in a blue enamel decorated case with brass strut support. Gilded decorated dial with original b...

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Mantel Clocks

Materials

Brass

Vintage Patinated Corinthian Greek Helmet
Vintage Patinated Corinthian Greek Helmet

Vintage Patinated Corinthian Greek Helmet

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This striking miniature bronze sculpture is a masterfully rendered Corinthian-style Greek helmet, capturing the martial elegance of antiquity. Reminiscent of the historic Grand Tour ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Greek Brutalist Arms, Armor and Weapons

Materials

Bronze

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Copper Compass Nautical", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Copper Compass Nautical For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the copper compass nautical you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Each copper compass nautical for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, copper and brass. If you’re shopping for a copper compass nautical, we have 9 options in-stock, while there are 1 modern editions to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer copper compass nautical, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. Each copper compass nautical bearing industrial or Victorian hallmarks is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made copper compass nautical over the years, but those crafted by A. Lietz Co. and E.S. Ritchie & Co are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

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 Copper Compass Nautical

  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
    A nautical compass is a compass made up of parallel or bundled needles that are permanently connected to the card and used to display directions (north, east, south, and west) as well as their immediate points. Compared to an electronic device equipped with GPS, a compass is inexpensive, has a low risk of malfunctioning and is a lightweight instrument. Compasses were once indispensable for sailors navigating the high seas. Find a collection of antique and vintage nautical compasses on 1stDibs today.

Read More