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Rare Compass

Rare American Yacht Binnacle Compass
Rare American Yacht Binnacle Compass

Rare American Yacht Binnacle Compass

Located in Norwell, MA

Absolutely awesome yacht binnacle by New York maker T.S & J.D Negus of New York. Varnished base with intricate rope carving. The brass binnacle carries 2 oil lanterns, Iron compensat...

Category

Antique Early 1900s North American Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Compass Diamond ring RARE 14KT yellow gold
Compass Diamond ring RARE 14KT yellow gold

Compass Diamond ring RARE 14KT yellow gold

Located in Jupiter, FL

Compass diamond ring with diamonds, sapphire and mother of pearl made in 14KT yellow gold, this ring is very unique. Grams: 5.47 WHAT YOU GET AT STAMPAR JEWELERS: Stampar Jewelers, l...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Roman Bronze Rare Architects Geometrical Compass/Divider 3.AD
Antique Roman Bronze Rare Architects Geometrical Compass/Divider 3.AD

Antique Roman Bronze Rare Architects Geometrical Compass/Divider 3.AD

Located in Doha, QA

Extremely rare and one of a kind ancient Roman bronze geometrical compass/divider.

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Scientific Inst...

Materials

Stone, Bronze

Ingersoll Rare, Art Deco Boy Scout Watch with Original Compass Strap
Ingersoll Rare, Art Deco Boy Scout Watch with Original Compass Strap

Ingersoll Rare, Art Deco Boy Scout Watch with Original Compass Strap

Located in Long Beach, CA

FACTORY / HOUSE: Ingersoll Watch Company STYLE / REFERENCE: Art Deco Scout Watch METAL / MATERIAL: Base Metal CIRCA / YEAR: 1930's DIMENSIONS / SIZE: Length 32mm X Width 38mm MOVEMEN...

Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Rare Silver Pocket Sundial and Compass by Michael Butterfield, Paris, circa 1700
Rare Silver Pocket Sundial and Compass by Michael Butterfield, Paris, circa 1700

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 Butterfield, circa 1700.

Category

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

Materials

Silver

Victorian French Carriage Clock with Compass
Victorian French Carriage Clock with Compass

Victorian French Carriage Clock with Compass

Located in Norwich, GB

Not only is it very rare to find oval carriage clocks but perhaps rarer still to find a compass mounted on the top.

Category

Antique 19th Century French Victorian Carriage Clocks and Travel Clocks

Materials

Brass

WW2 Sterling bomber Radio Compass Loop Antenna
WW2 Sterling bomber Radio Compass Loop Antenna

WW2 Sterling bomber Radio Compass Loop Antenna

Located in London, GB

WW2 Sterling bomber Radio Compass Loop Antenna Rare, unusual and very sculptural.

Category

Vintage 1930s British Late Victorian Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Fabric

19th Century Miniature Globe on Wooden Stand with Compass
19th Century Miniature Globe on Wooden Stand with Compass

19th Century Miniature Globe on Wooden Stand with Compass

By Ludw. Jul. Heymann

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

This miniature globe, featuring its original patina and painted wooden base, has its original mounted working compass. This rare decorative collectible will certainly be focal point ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Art Nouveau Globes

Materials

Metal

Yacht Binnacle from Italy Circa 1880 with Dry Card Compass
Yacht Binnacle from Italy Circa 1880 with Dry Card Compass

Yacht Binnacle from Italy Circa 1880 with Dry Card Compass

Located in Norwell, MA

Yacht binnacle of a very unique and rare design. With Italian compass on gimbals. Mushroom style hood with hinged doors.

Category

Antique 1880s Italian Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Compass Chairs by Cornelis Zitman for Tecoteca, Furniture Hotel Humbold
Compass Chairs by Cornelis Zitman for Tecoteca, Furniture Hotel Humbold

Compass Chairs by Cornelis Zitman for Tecoteca, Furniture Hotel Humbold

By Cornelis Zitman

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Set of four, rare teak compass chairs by Dutch born sculptor and draftsman Cornelis Zitman for Tecoteca, Furniture designed for the Hotel Humboldt, Caracas Venezuela 1955.

Category

Vintage 1950s Venezuelan Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Teak, Velvet

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. Copper and brass body with double oil lamps for illumination.

Category

Early 20th Century British Colonial Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Set of 2 Authentic Pierre Jeanneret X-Leg Lounge Chairs, Model PJ-SI-45-A, India
Set of 2 Authentic Pierre Jeanneret X-Leg Lounge Chairs, Model PJ-SI-45-A, India

Set of 2 Authentic Pierre Jeanneret X-Leg Lounge Chairs, Model PJ-SI-45-A, India

By Pierre Jeanneret

Located in Amsterdam, NL

The slanted, independent backrest in flat canework reflects Jeanneret’s sensitivity to proportion and comfort. Far rarer than his better-known compass-leg models, the X-leg form is a...

Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Cane, Teak

Premium Ships Binnacle by Whyte Thomson & Co’s
Premium Ships Binnacle by Whyte Thomson & Co’s

Premium Ships Binnacle by Whyte Thomson & Co’s

Located in Norwell, MA

Polished and lacquered mushroom style hood and compass cowl. Very rare dry card compass on hanging gimbal, all polished to perfection.

Category

Antique 1860s European Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Recent Sales

Rare Antique Novelty Gold Jockey's Cap Compass, 1896
Rare Antique Novelty Gold Jockey's Cap Compass, 1896

Rare Antique Novelty Gold Jockey's Cap Compass, 1896

Located in Perth, AU

Rare novelty compass pendant in the form of a jockey's cap.

Category

Antique 1890s British Aesthetic Movement More Objets d'Art and Vertu

Materials

9k Gold

18th Century Forged Steel Masonic Compass – A Rare Tool of Master Builders and F
18th Century Forged Steel Masonic Compass – A Rare Tool of Master Builders and F

18th Century Forged Steel Masonic Compass – A Rare Tool of Master Builders and F

Located in LA FERTÉ-SOUS-JOUARRE, FR

This extraordinary 18th-century forged steel compass is a striking piece of historical craftsmanship.

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century French Antiquities

Materials

Iron

Kai Kristiansen dining chairs, Brazilian Rosewood. Rare compass style.
Kai Kristiansen dining chairs, Brazilian Rosewood. Rare compass style.

Kai Kristiansen dining chairs, Brazilian Rosewood. Rare compass style.

By Kai Kristiansen

Located in London, GB

Rare set of 6 Brazilian Rosewood compass dining chairs by Kai Kristiansen, Denmark 1960.

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Palisander, Rosewood

Rare Telltale Ships Compass
Rare Telltale Ships Compass

Rare Telltale Ships Compass

Sold

H 4 in Dm 8 in

Rare Telltale Ships Compass

Located in Norwell, MA

Ship captains telltale ships compass on gimbal. Dry card compass by Van Der Voort, 34 Brewers Canal, Antwerp. In old lacquer. Said to be from the three masted bark St. Catherine buil...

Category

Antique 1890s European Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Rare Yacht Binnacle with Compass
Rare Yacht Binnacle with Compass

Rare Yacht Binnacle with Compass

Sold

H 7 in W 7 in D 6 in

Rare Yacht Binnacle with Compass

Located in Norwell, MA

Solid brass gimballed boat compass fitted to a hinge front wood binnacle. Brasses include carry handle, side light, brass hooks, etc. Circa 1920. Overall Dimensions: 7"H x 7" L x ...

Category

Vintage 1920s American Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Rare Brass Air Balloon Compass, France, 1900
Rare Brass Air Balloon Compass, France, 1900

Rare Brass Air Balloon Compass, France, 1900

Located in Milan, IT

Rare brass air balloon compass complete with goniometric circle, needle block and transparent bottom.

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Rare & Early 19thc Chintz Mariners Compass Quilt
Rare & Early 19thc Chintz Mariners Compass Quilt

Rare & Early 19thc Chintz Mariners Compass Quilt

Located in Los Angeles, CA

THIS VERY RARE COLLECTORS QUILT IS IN PRISTINE CONDITION AND HAS GREAT PIECING AND QUILTING.THIS QUALITY IS ONLY FOUND IN MUSEUMS AND IN PRIVATE COLLECTIONS.THIS QUILT HAS BEEN OBTAI...

Category

Antique 19th Century American Quilts

Materials

Cotton

Hermes, Paris, Rare Horse Head / Equestrian Desk Compass
Hermes, Paris, Rare Horse Head / Equestrian Desk Compass

Hermes, Paris, Rare Horse Head / Equestrian Desk Compass

By Ravinet D' Enfert, Hermès

Located in Bath, GB

A stunning and rarely found desk compass made from silvered bronze with the famous Equestrian horse head from the world renowned Maison Hermes, Paris, contemporary artisans since 183...

Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Sheffield and Silverplate

Materials

Silver Plate

Rare George Mulhauser Plycraft Compass Desk and Chair
Rare George Mulhauser Plycraft Compass Desk and Chair

Rare George Mulhauser Plycraft Compass Desk and Chair

By George Mulhauser

Located in Cincinnati, OH

A hard to find Plycraft compass leg desk in a dark walnut tone teak and oak with three drawers, curved black metal pulls and matching sculptural bent ply chair with upholstered botto...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

RARE AND EARLY 19THC CHINTZ MARINERS COMPASS QUILT
RARE AND EARLY 19THC CHINTZ MARINERS COMPASS QUILT

RARE AND EARLY 19THC CHINTZ MARINERS COMPASS QUILT

Located in Los Angeles, CA

THIS VERY RARE BEAUTIFUL COLLECTORS QUILT IS IN PRISTINE CONDITION AND IS MID 19THC. THE PATTERN,PIECING AND QUILTING IS THE VERY BEST A QUILT CAN GET. THIS QUALITY IS FOUND IN MUSUE...

Category

Antique 19th Century American Quilts

Materials

Cotton

Rare Yacht Radio Compass Loop Antenna Bubble Bakelite Aluminum
Rare Yacht Radio Compass Loop Antenna Bubble Bakelite Aluminum

Rare Yacht Radio Compass Loop Antenna Bubble Bakelite Aluminum

Located in Hyattsville, MD

USA, c.1940s. Made in Washington DC. A vintage industrial machine age marvel, Bullet Form Radio Compass Loop Antenna Housing, Yacht Radar Bubble Torpedo Form, Rag-Filled Bakelite and...

Category

Vintage 1940s American Machine Age Nautical Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Rare Nautical Compass and Cosmographic Cart Round Coffee Table, France, 1950
Rare Nautical Compass and Cosmographic Cart Round Coffee Table, France, 1950

Rare Nautical Compass and Cosmographic Cart Round Coffee Table, France, 1950

By Maison Baguès

Located in Antwerp, BE

A rare decorative French coffee table with a cosmographic map under a glass top with a functional compass positioned in the middle.

Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Rare Hermès, Paris Sterling Silver Chain Link Desk Compass c.1960
Rare Hermès, Paris Sterling Silver Chain Link Desk Compass c.1960

Rare Hermès, Paris Sterling Silver Chain Link Desk Compass c.1960

By Ravinet D' Enfert, Hermès

Located in Bath, GB

Sourced in France, this magnificent desk compass by the iconic French fashion house, Hermès of Paris is a rare find dating to c.1960.

Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Rare Silver Pocket Sundial And Compass By Michael Butterfield Paris Circa 1700
Rare Silver Pocket Sundial And Compass By Michael Butterfield Paris Circa 1700

Rare Silver Pocket Sundial And Compass By Michael Butterfield Paris Circa 1700

By Michael Butterfield

Located in Firenze, IT

A beautiful, rare solid silver Anglo-French octagonal pocket sundial with compass by Michael Butterfield, circa 1700.

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century French Baroque Boxes and Cases

Materials

Silver

Rare, Silk, Patriotic Kerchief with Dynamic Eagle and 13 Mariner's Compass Stars
Rare, Silk, Patriotic Kerchief with Dynamic Eagle and 13 Mariner's Compass Stars

Rare, Silk, Patriotic Kerchief with Dynamic Eagle and 13 Mariner's Compass Stars

Located in York County, PA

Rare, silk, patriotic kerchief with a dynamic eagle and 13 mariner's compass-type stars, made, circa 1840, one of only two known examples in this undocumented style.

Category

Antique 1840s American Political and Patriotic Memorabilia

20th Century Mariners Compass Quilt
20th Century Mariners Compass Quilt

20th Century Mariners Compass Quilt

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A beautiful and very well quilted example of a rare Mariners Compass Quilt. This was found in a house in Penna.

Category

20th Century American Quilts and Blankets

Materials

Cotton

19thc Mariners Compass Quilt/fantastic Colors
19thc Mariners Compass Quilt/fantastic Colors

19thc Mariners Compass Quilt/fantastic Colors

Located in Los Angeles, CA

RARE 19THC MARINERS COMPASS QUILT FROM NEW ENGLAND IN PRISTINE CONDITION.THIS RED,WHITE & BLUE BEAUTY HAS FANTASTIC CALICO PRINTS AND GREAT PIECE WORK.THE BLUE IS A FANTASTIC DENIM B...

Category

Antique 19th Century American Quilts

Materials

Cotton

Survey Compass, made of Brass, 1932
Survey Compass, made of Brass, 1932

Survey Compass, made of Brass, 1932

Sold

H 1.19 in Dm 3.94 in

Survey Compass, made of Brass, 1932

By F.B. & S. 1932 Ltd.

Located in Milan, IT

Rare survey compass, brass with leather case, signed F.B. & S. 1932 ltd.

Category

Vintage 1930s Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

19THC MARINERS COMPASS QUILT -  BLUE AND WHITE
19THC MARINERS COMPASS QUILT -  BLUE AND WHITE

19THC MARINERS COMPASS QUILT - BLUE AND WHITE

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A BEAUTIFUL AND VERY WELL QUILTED EXAMPLE OF A RARE MARINERS COMPASS QUILT. DATED 1884.-BLUE AND WHITE CALICO FABRIC-MINT CONDITION

Category

Antique 19th Century American Quilts and Blankets

Materials

Cotton

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 of a magnetized needle free to rotate on a horizontal plane, marking with its poin...

Category

Antique 1870s French Scientific Instruments

Binnacle Compass Mahogany and Brass End of the 19th century
Binnacle Compass Mahogany and Brass End of the 19th century

Binnacle Compass Mahogany and Brass End of the 19th century

Located in Milan, IT

Rare and elegant binnacle compass made of mahogany and brass signed DENT's Patent COMPASS no. 545 with handle for transportation.

Category

Antique 1890s British Nautical Objects

Materials

Wood

American Mahogany Wood Antique Magnetic Binnacle Nautical Compass, circa 1896
American Mahogany Wood Antique Magnetic Binnacle Nautical Compass, circa 1896

American Mahogany Wood Antique Magnetic Binnacle Nautical Compass, circa 1896

Located in Milan, IT

Rare mahogany wood binnacle compass. Inside there is a liquid compass mounted on a universal joint signed D.

Category

Antique 1890s American Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

WWII Japanese Antique Magnetic Aeronautical Magnetic Compass  Brass and Glass
WWII Japanese Antique Magnetic Aeronautical Magnetic Compass  Brass and Glass

WWII Japanese Antique Magnetic Aeronautical Magnetic Compass Brass and Glass

Located in Milan, IT

Rare Japanese aeronautical compass made in WWII, made of brass and glass, mounted on springs with the function of absorbing shocks and vibrations, internal goniometric circle at the ...

Category

Vintage 1940s Japanese Aviation Objects

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 U.S.

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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 for U.S.

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

1918 Survey Magnetic Compass for U.S. Engineer Corps Antique Nautical Objects
1918 Survey Magnetic Compass for U.S. Engineer Corps Antique Nautical Objects

1918 Survey Magnetic Compass for U.S. Engineer Corps Antique Nautical Objects

Located in Milan, IT

Rare magnetic compass for nautical detection, of brass, signed Cruchon & Emons Berne n. 67770 of 1918 made for the U.S Engineer Corps.

Category

Vintage 1910s Swiss Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

FRANCIS BARKER & SON 1907 London Antique Compass Pendant In 15Kt Yellow Gold
FRANCIS BARKER & SON 1907 London Antique Compass Pendant In 15Kt Yellow Gold

FRANCIS BARKER & SON 1907 London Antique Compass Pendant In 15Kt Yellow Gold

Located in Miami, FL

Pendant with a mechanical compass designed by Francis Barker & Son. This is a very rare antique compass pendant, created in London England during the Edwardian period, back in the 1...

Category

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold, 15k Gold

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Rare Compass For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the rare compass you’re looking for. Frequently made of paper, wood and metal, every rare compass was constructed with great care. Find 110 options for an antique or vintage rare compass now, or shop our selection of 3 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer rare compass, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. Each rare compass bearing mid-century modern, Victorian or Art Deco hallmarks is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made rare compass over the years, but those crafted by Pierre Jeanneret, Pieter Van Der Aa and Mario Bellini are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Rare Compass?

Prices for a rare compass can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $153 and can go as high as $338,000, while the average can fetch as much as $2,682.