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9ct Gold Swivel Seal and Compass Birmingham 1899
Located in London, GB
9ct Gold Swivel Seal and Compass Birmingham 1899 This carnelian seal and working compass swivels
Category

Antique 1890s English Victorian Vanity Items

Materials

Carnelian, 9k Gold

Midcentury Brass Pommel with Inset Compass Gadget Cane or Walking Stick
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
pommel and brass end CAP. The brass handle of this walking stick has an inset working compass in it with
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Sports Equipment and Memorab...

Materials

Brass

Antique French Matchbox Holder with Compass, c. 1900 – Unique Vintage Gift
Located in Hamburg, DE
. The real highlight, however, is the working compass set into the front, framed by a beautifully hand
Category

Antique 1890s French Belle Époque Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Chrome Binnacle Compass with Side Oil Lights
Located in Nantucket, MA
From a decommissioned lifeboat, a chrome binnacle compass in working order. It has two oil side
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass, Chrome

19th Century English Chrome Plated Brass Cross-Legged Reduction Compass
Located in Milan, IT
Cross-legged reduction compass, of chrome plated brass and steel, English manufacture from the end
Category

Antique 1890s Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

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

Rare Kelvin and Hughes Teak and Brass Navigational Nautical Binnacle Compass
Located in Nantucket, MA
A rare ship's binnacle brass compass in working order housed in a teak and brass case. It includes
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Victorian 1890 Antique Square Ring With a Functional Compass In 14Kt Rose Gold
Located in Miami, FL
wear, there is no damage to the gold. The compass is working and is secured in the settings. This piece
Category

Antique 1890s American Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

American Mahogany and Brass Ship Binnacle, Riggs & Brothers, Phila. Circa 1880
By Riggs & Brothers
Located in Charleston, SC
. W. Ker Philadelphia. Dry compass is in working condition and additional information on the schooner
Category

Antique 1880s American American Empire Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

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

Table sextant by Throughton & Simms
By Troughton & Simms London
Located in BORDEAUX, FR
sextant folded with a working level. Its compass and all articulated elements in perfect condition.
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Nautical Objects

Materials

Bronze

Table sextant by Throughton & Simms
Table sextant by Throughton & Simms
H 2.76 in W 5.71 in D 5.71 in
Antique Sand Cast Compass
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Working Compass, solid brass in a solid oak box. Great piece of nautical history.
Category

Early 20th Century Nautical Objects

Antique Sand Cast Compass
Antique Sand Cast Compass
H 5.5 in W 7.34 in D 9.5 in
Stylish Mid-century Modern Cocktail Table with Compass
Located in Essex, MA
, the glass top over a brass and metal trellis design centered by a working compass on four brass and
Category

Vintage 1950s American Coffee and Cocktail Tables

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 Scientific Instruments

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

Vintage 1920s British Scientific Instruments

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

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Scientific Instruments

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

Vintage 1910s European Edwardian Scientific Instruments

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

Vintage 1910s British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Victorian Compass Pendant Fob, Ships Wheel, Sterling Silver
Located in NEWARK, GB
piece, crafted in sterling silver, well designed as a ships wheel with a central working compass. The
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Compass Fishermen's brotherhood Ostende from Belgium 1930s Brass on Walnut Board
Located in Milan, IT
, scratches on the glass, perfectly working. Compass diameter 13 cm, board 20.5x13.8 cm - 8x5.43 inches, total
Category

Vintage 1930s Belgian Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Victorian 15 Karat Gold and Horse Chestnut Compass Pendant, circa 1860
Located in Baltimore, MD
The needle still moves on this C1860 15K Horse Chestnut working compass pendant. An unusual find
Category

Antique 1860s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

15k Gold

Victorian Sterling Silver Vesta Case, Compass
By A&J Zimmerman Ltd.
Located in NEWARK, GB
. This vesta is a good size with a smooth polished finish, the front set with a working compass
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Boxes and Cases

Victorian Roulette Wheel and Compass Open Riding Hat Pendant
Located in London, GB
working compass sits flush. This is truly a one of kind piece showcasing exceptional hand made
Category

Antique 19th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Philips Merchant Shipper's Globe, London
Located in Norwell, MA
three receded and turned legs and castors. Base has a working compass. Globe itself shows areas of wear
Category

Antique 1890s English Scientific Instruments

Materials

Wood

WWII Japanese Antique Magnetic Aeronautical Magnetic Compass Brass and Glass
Located in Milan, IT
pointers relating to the 4 cardinal points. In excellent condition, perfectly working. Compass diameter
Category

Vintage 1940s Japanese Aviation Objects

Materials

Brass

19th C. Leather Wrapped French Navy Binoculars, C.1880
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT This is an original pair of leather wrapped French navy binoculars with a working compass
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French High Victorian Sports Equipment and Mem...

Materials

Metal

Antique Gadget Cane, English, Mahogany, Brass, Walking Stick, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
pleasing balance Screw-top ball reveals a working compass with cardinal and inter-cardinal points Second
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Sports Equipment and Memorabilia

Materials

Brass

Binnacle form wet compass
Located in San Francisco, CA
An American brass enclosed binnacle form wet compass in working order, circa 1900. Now on a custom
Category

Early 20th Century American Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Binnacle form wet compass
Binnacle form wet compass
H 12.5 in W 11 in D 9 in
Bourbon Gold Compass Necklace
Located in Napoli, NA
chain, the other pendant is a reversible compass still working. CONDITION: Pre-owned - Good METAL: 12k
Category

Antique 19th Century Italian More Necklaces

Materials

14k Gold

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

British WWI Marching Compass with Leather Case
Located in Austin, TX
A working British military marching compass of heavy brass in original leather case from World War
Category

Vintage 1910s British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Glass

British WWI Marching Compass with Leather Case
Located in Austin, TX
A working British military marching compass of heavy brass in original leather case from World War
Category

Early 20th Century English Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Glass

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
Category

20th Century American Nautical Objects

Materials

Copper

Midcentury Brass Binnacle Compass from a Ship's Lifeboat
Located in Nantucket, MA
From a ship's lifeboat (not your rubber raft variety), a brass binnacle compass complete with
Category

Mid-20th Century Industrial Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Victorian Brass Compass Made in the Late 1900s
Located in Milan, IT
perfect working order. Compass diameter 3.5 cm, thickness 1.2 cm.  
Category

Antique 1870s British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Nautical Compass English Manufacture of the Early 1900s
Located in Milan, IT
working perfectly. Compass diameter 21 cm, plank measures 30 x 17.5 cm. Shipping insured by Lloyd's London
Category

20th Century British Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Hermes, Paris, Rare Horse Head / Equestrian Desk Compass
By Hermès, Ravinet D' Enfert
Located in Bath, GB
compass is wrapped with a strip of cognac coloured leather. The compass is fully working the blue
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Sheffield and Silverplate

Materials

Silver Plate

Kelvin and Hughes Binnacle Compass with Oil Lights
By Kelvin & Hughes 1
Located in Nantucket, MA
A documented Kelvin and Hughes brass binnacle compass in working order. It sits in a teak case with
Category

Mid-20th Century English Industrial Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Brass Nautical Lifeboat Compass on Gimbaled Stand, English, 1940s
Located in Nantucket, MA
, mid-19th century, English. In working order. Compass degrees marked into the brass surround. From a
Category

Mid-20th Century English Industrial Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

FRANCIS BARKER & SON 1907 London Antique Compass Pendant In 15Kt Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. The compass is working and is secured in
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, Yellow Gold, 15k Gold

Italian Mid-Century Buffet by Osvaldo Borsani
By Osvaldo Borsani
Located in Austin, TX
Osvaldo Borsani. The Italian enfilade boasts cubic marquetry on the doors. There are 6 doors with working
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Buffets

Materials

Glass, Rosewood

French Quarterdeck Automaton Helmsman Clock by Guilmet, Retailed by Sewill, 1881
Located in Nantucket, MA
stern of a ship with aft deck and raised quarterdeck, a working binnacle compass, automated helmsman at
Category

Antique 1880s French Victorian Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Silver Plate, Bronze

1990s Moschino Vintage Map Jacket with Working Compass Bobble Buttons
By Moschino
Located in Sparks, NV
highlight of the jacket is the oversized working compass buttons that move has you change direction
Category

1990s Italian Jackets

His Lordship Products Sterling Silver Working Compass Ship's Wheel Charm
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage sterling silver ship's wheel charm with working compass by His Lordship Product Co. of NYC
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Gold Filled and Compass Cuff links
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1950s Very Cool working Compass cuff links, set in Gold Filled and measuring 3/4 inch in
Category

Vintage 1950s American Cufflinks

Materials

Gold-filled

Victorian Compass Fob Pendant
Located in Stroud, GB
This exquisite Victorian fob is cast in 9ct rose gold and features a working compass. The reverse
Category

Antique 1890s English Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Carnelian, 9k Gold

Victorian Compass Fob Pendant
Victorian Compass Fob Pendant
W 1.07 in D 0.32 in L 1.07 in
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

Vintage 1920s British Scientific Instruments

Materials

Brass

Antique Heavy Metal Pommel with Inset Compass Gadget Cane or Walking Stick
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
working compass in it and graduated turned metal portions on the handle making for a very solid and heavy
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Sports Equipment and Memorab...

Materials

Metal

Antique 9k Gold Compass Pendant, Spinning Fob
Located in NEWARK, GB
with the real working compass encased within the original glass. The compass appears to be in working
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

9k Gold

19th Century 15 Karat Yellow Gold Compass, circa 1880s
Located in New York, NY
Good Antique, Working Compass Made in Continental Europe Jules Verne called it one of the greatest
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Yellow Gold

Antique 9 Karat Yellow Gold Compass Pendant, Carnelian Seal Fob
Located in NEWARK, GB
gilded working compass is set into a fancy 9 karat gold frame with twisted wirework and loop detailing
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Carnelian, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Large Art Deco globe by Columbus Erdglobus, 1930s
By Columbus Volksglobus
Located in EVERDINGEN, NL
modernist designed wooden base with a small working compass and a meridian circle of engraved and chromed
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Globes

Materials

Oak, Paper

Original WWI Brass Hand Compass
Located in Nantucket, MA
An original WWI brass hand compass in working order, complete with lenses, magnifier, lid and
Category

Early 20th Century English 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

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

Amazing 19th Century Votive Copper Sea Vessel Model
Located in London, GB
, all copper sections, a repoussé decorative motif hull, working compass, bronze articulated gun
Category

Antique 1880s French Folk Art Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass, Bronze, Copper

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
Category

20th Century American Industrial Nautical Objects

Materials

Copper

British WWI Marching Compass with Leather Case
Located in Austin, TX
A working British military marching compass of heavy brass in original leather case from World War
Category

Vintage 1910s English Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Brass

Brass Lifeboat Gimbaled Compass on Stand, 1970s Cassens & Plath
Located in Nantucket, MA
A working brass compass from an old 1970s lifeboat. It is gimbaled and rests on a custom made Y
Category

Mid-20th Century European Industrial Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

Brass Nautical Lifeboat Compass on Gimbaled Stand, English, 1940s
Located in Nantucket, MA
, English. In working order. Compass degrees marked into the brass surround. From a large size lifeboat and
Category

Mid-20th Century English Industrial Nautical Objects

Materials

Brass

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Working Compass For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the working compass you’re looking for at 1stDibs. A working compass — often made from metal, brass and wood — can elevate any home. Find 253 options for an antique or vintage working compass now, or shop our selection of 9 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. There are many kinds of the working compass you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. A working compass is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in mid-century modern, industrial and Victorian styles are sought with frequency. A well-made working compass has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Pierre Jeanneret, Mario Bellini and B&B Italia are consistently popular.

How Much is a Working Compass?

Prices for a working compass can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $108 and can go as high as $168,500, while the average can fetch as much as $1,262.
Questions About Working Compass
  • 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.