antik.it/Antique-compasses/8205-Nautical-Compass/
Code 8205
EUR 1300.00
In stock
1757776820Code 8205 Nautical CompassRoyal Navy Patt.01884A No. 2887 HS compass from the late 19th century, complete with mahogany case with brass hinges and latches.
Good condition, fully functional. Box dimensions: 17.5 x 17.7 x 15 cm (6.9 x 6.9 x 5.9 inches), compass diameter: 12.5 cm (5 inches).
Beautiful compass rose complete with double protractor circle. The compass consists of a cylindrical container made of brass and bronze for stability, called a mortar. A hard metal stem is attached to the bottom of the mortar, supporting the eight-wind compass rose, suitably secured so that the zero point coincides with the magnetic polarity. To minimize friction, the mortar is filled with a low-freezing liquid, which also serves to quickly dampen any oscillations of the compass rose, and is enclosed by two sturdy protective glass panes.
The Greeks and Romans were still unaware of the possibility of exploiting magnetic fields for orientation, while it seems that this possibility was already somewhat known to the Chinese: around 2600 BC, Emperor Hoang-Ti managed to defeat Prince Tchi-Yeou in battle thanks to a "magic" chariot, the See-Nan (chariot indicating south). Thanks to this device, the emperor identified the enemy's escape route, even though the enemy had hidden it with a blanket of smoke. Fixed to the chariot was a wooden human-shaped figure that rotated on itself and, with its arm outstretched, always pointed south (indicating south obviously also indicated north, but south was considered the most important cardinal point by the Chinese). The Chinese also used their discoveries relating to magnetic fields as a form of entertainment and spectacle: they threw magnetized arrows like dice, and these aligned in a south-north direction as if by magic, which greatly impressed and amazed the spectators.
The first historical references to the use of magnetic directional force in Europe date back to the end of the 12th century or the beginning of the 13th century and attribute the exploitation of the properties of the magnet to the Amalfitans. Gimbal suspension made its first appearance around the middle of the 16th century. An exact description can be found in the short compendium “De la esfera y de la arte de navegar” by Martin Cortés (1551), which gives precise instructions for the construction of the compass. The great discoveries of new lands, from the middle of the 15th century onwards, are largely due to the improvements in this instrument.
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Italy: delivering on the average in 24 h.
Europe: delivering on the average in 2/3 weekdays.
Other countries: delivering on the average in 5 weekdays; custom duties charged to the buyer.
Is shipping insured?
Of course! Free insurance by Lloyd's London that covers almost all destinations.
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Of course! (see our general terms for more information).
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Antique compasses
Code 8205 Nautical Compass
Antik Arte & Scienza sas di Daniela Giorgi - via S. Giovanni sul Muro 10 20121 Milan (MI) Italy - +39 0286461448 - info@antik.it - www.antik.it - Monday-Saturday: 10am-7pm
