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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

Vintage 1910s English Edwardian Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal, Brass

14K 2-Tone Pocket Watch Chain with Compass Watch Fab Two-Tone Chain Measuring
Located in Dallas, TX
14K 2- Tone Pocket Watch Chain with Compass Watch Fab - Two tone chain measuring 16 inches long
Category

20th Century Unknown Pocket Watches

Antique 18th Century Diptych Pocket Sundial and Compass by German Beringer
Located in Firenze, IT
With hinged gnomon, hour ring and latitude arc, silvered compass rose with two inset bubble levels
Category

Antique 1780s German Neoclassical Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

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

Antique Early 18th Century French Neoclassical Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal, Bronze, Other

Rare Silver Pocket Sundial And Compass By Michael Butterfield Paris Circa 1700
Located in Firenze, IT
A beautiful, rare solid silver Anglo-French octagonal pocket sundial with compass by Michael
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century French Baroque Boxes and Cases

Materials

Silver

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

Antique Late 17th Century French Louis XIV Carriage Clocks and Travel Cl...

Materials

Silver

So...Decide
By Debranne Cingari
Located in Greenwich, CT
Unique assemblage of painted wood and metal with pocket watch, pressure gauge, and compass attached.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Mixed Media

Materials

Mixed Media

So...Decide
So...Decide
$1,250
H 11.5 in W 9.125 in D 2.875 in

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

Antique Late 19th Century English More Desk Accessories

Materials

Brass

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

Antique Late 19th Century Swiss Victorian Pocket Watches

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

Antique Mid-17th Century Dutch Scientific Instruments

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

Antique 19th Century English Scientific Instruments

English Sterling Silver Swiss Made Pocket Compass
Located in Atlanta, GA
A refined English sterling silver pocket compass with a sleek design that bridges the gap between
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Modernist Pocket Watches

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

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 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

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

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 More Desk Accessories

Materials

Metal

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

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

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 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

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

Vintage 1910s British Scientific Instruments

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

Antique Early 1900s British Aviation 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

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

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, 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

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 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

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

Vintage 1910s British Scientific Instruments

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

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

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

Vintage 1910s 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

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

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

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

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

Antique Early 1800s George III Scientific Instruments

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

Vintage 1910s Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

WW1 Mark V Pocket Compass by Dennison, Birmingham - 1916
By Dennison Birmigham
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome antique English military compass from World War 1 dated 1916 together with the makers
Category

Vintage 1910s British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Nickel

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

Antique Early 1800s English Georgian Scientific Instruments

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

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

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 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 circa 1880. The floating card dial pivots
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Scientific Instruments

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

Antique 1890s British 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 to circa 1880. The floating card dial
Category

Antique 1880s English Late Victorian Scientific Instruments

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

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

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

Vintage 1910s British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Nickel

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

Vintage 1910s British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Nickel

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

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

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

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

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

Antique Late 19th Century British Nautical Objects

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

Vintage 1910s British Scientific Instruments

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 Scientific Instruments

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 Nautical Objects

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

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

Antique 18th Century French Pocket Watches

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold

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

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

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Pocket Compass For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the pocket compass you’re looking for. Frequently made of metal, brass and glass, every pocket compass was constructed with great care. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect pocket compass — we have versions that date back to the 18th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. A pocket compass is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Victorian, Georgian and Industrial styles are sought with frequency. You’ll likely find more than one pocket compass that is appealing in its simplicity, but Ceebynite Short & Mason Taylor, Short & Mason and Butterfield Paris produced versions that are worth a look.

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 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.

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