Description

The main compass body is brass with a hand coloured paper overlay. Extremely ornate compass rose and oddly, unsigned.

The compass needle is very slender, ornate and still points North. The pivot is brass and eared c.1750. The paper dial is divided into three (3) scales. A Mariner’s 360 degree (inner) in one degree divisions, a Miner’s 0-32 hour middle ring (each hour being 12.5 degrees- 1/4 hour divisions) and a surveyor’s outer ring (4 quadrants of 0-90 degrees).

The paper is also hand divided into 16 cardinal points with NORTH being a Fleur-de-lys and SOUTH spelt SOVT (Latinised and pronounced SOWT in Olde English. I have never seen this variation before. 

The compass is overlayed by the silvered sundial hour ring, twice divided in Roman numerals (left and right of high noon) from IIII a.m. to VIII p.m. The ring is beautifully engraved with “wheat ear” flourishes, as is the solid brass folding gnomen.

The dial is a one off, made for a wealthy patron residing at *53.53 N latitude. This could be for the Old Dock of Liverpool or an owner of a salt, copper or coal mine of the Midlands (Bolton area). Personally, I like the coastal theory as the lid of the compass also contains a 16 cardinal point fully divided 360 degree Mariner’s/Miner’s compass as well (with South spelled correctly-later?). This compass rose is divided into 5 degree and 1/2 hour increments. Extremely well made with early knurling (roping) of the brasswork. The compass measures 10 x 2 cm. deep. No damage. Original glass. No signature or logo.