A great antique mounted lodestone, from the 1800’s (or earlier).

In good condition, with an old inventory label, still retaining a bit of magnetism. Measurements are 6 x 4 cm (not including the upper ring)

Constructed with a type of naturally magnetic magnetite stone such mounting and assembly was often done in Western Europe, the stone itself coming from Eastern Europe or Russia. The lodestone was of course essential for the early navigator, to apply and then restore as necessary the magnetism of his compass needle, without which he would be literally lost