In addition to the Gallery in Milan, opened in 1999, Antik Arte & Scienza has also had a channel for online sales: on this site it is possible to buy, in fact, nautical antiques, astronomical instruments, globes and antique world maps, antique compasses, measuring instruments, vintage medical instruments and related to natural history. We know how it is important to offer secure and easy on-line purchases and therefore we have decided to offer free shipping and free insurance. All objects have an accurate and safe packaging, and when necessary also a padded wooden box made to measure. Shipping is insured by Lloyd's London, and you have 28 days to change your mind and return the bought items (see our general selling conditions for more information about return methods).
The invention of the compass is mysterious but it is well known that magnetite was discovered in Magnesia, a city of Asia Minor. We can find the first indications about the use in Europe of the magnetic force for orientation at the end of the XII century because of merchants and Arab navigators.
Because of lucky discoveries and ingenious intuitions the compass has arrived to us without many changes, showing its importance in navigation and human exploits.
452012145428734Code 3081B Vion compass 1900Antique rare magnetic survey by hand compass, brass with original wooden box, E. Vion Paris signed, early 1900s. Very good condition. Compass diameter cm 11 - inches 4.33, height cm 27 - inches 10.6. Box cm 15.5x15x32 – inches 6.1x5.9x12.5.
1528986144Code 5954 Antique binnacleRare mahogany wood binnacle compass. Inside there is a liquid compass mounted on a universal joint signed D. BAKER Melrose Mass Pat. 22 Sept 1896 and marketed by the CHAS company. C. HUTCHINSON Agent 152 State St BOSTON. Very good condition, the light is missing. Cm 30x19 h 23 - inches 11.81x7.48 h 9.
1640861928Code 7047 Magntica CompassMagnetic topographer compass from the early 1900s, brass and bakelite base; instrument consisting of a magnetized needle free to rotate on a horizontal plane, marking with its tip the direction of magnetic north, four-wind rose complete with goniometric circle, finish line, and 5 cm ruler. In good condition, fully functional.
Measure closed cm 7x9 x 2,5 inches 2.8 x 3.55 x 1
1682694244Code 7552 Pocket CompassPocket compass for an English air force officer in use during the First World War, in chromed brass in the shape of an onion watch. The compass is equipped with a lid with snap closure with release button inside the ring. Four-winds rose complete with protractor circle for calculating horizontal angles.
Very good condition, fully functional. Diameter 4.5 cm - 1.75 inch, thickness 1.3 cm - 0.45 inch.
1688815888Code 7573 Nautical CompassNautical compass on gimbal signed DIRIGO Eugen M. Sherman Seattle USA 1920s mounted on custom made walnut and brass board. Rose with eight winds complete with protractor circle. The compass consists of a cylindrical container in brass and bronze, called a mortar, on the bottom of which a hard metal stem is fixed, on which the wind rose is suitably constrained, so that the zero coincides with the magnetic polarity. Compass diameter 13.4 cm – 5.6 inch, table width 21.2 cm – 8.6 inch, height 13.5 cm - 5.65 inch. In good condition, wind rose slightly worn.
1695488720Code 7590 Nautical CompassLiquid compass on cardan joint and mounted on a shaped mahogany wooden board. English manufacture from the end of the 19th century. The compass is made up of a cylindrical container made of brass and copper, on the bottom of which is fixed a hard metal stem, on which the eight-wind rose is placed and complete with a goniometric circle suitably constrained, so that the zero coincides with magnetic polarity. In good condition, slightly worn, the compass rose is in perfect working order. To reduce friction to a minimum, the mortar is filled with a low freezing point liquid, which also has the purpose of quickly dampening any oscillations and closed at the top by a sturdy protective glass.
Compass diameter 13 cm – 5.2 inch, table dimensions 10.5x17.2 cm – 4.2x6.7 inch, height 13 cm – 5.2 inch
1696078613Code 7576 Nautical CompassNautical magnetic compass, signed Henry Browne & Son Ltd Sestrel 1942, Barking & London dated 192.
Good condition, light abrasion on the compass rose.
The compass is mounted on a custom-made ebonized wood and brass board.
Compass diameter 13.5 cm – 5.3 inch, height with base 13 cm – 5.1 inch, table width 18 cm – 7.1 inch
1697904880Code 7594 Landing CompassMagnetic bearing compass, signed Medium Landing Compass N. 1738 H England 1940s. On the Compass Rose, complete with protractor circle, the RAF coat of arms is depicted with the wings supporting a red arrow depicting the north. Very good condition. Height 4.5 cm – 1.8 inch, compass diameter 9.5 cm – 3.8 inch.
1700241664Code 7734 Aviation CompassBrass and aluminum aeronautical compass complete with azimuth circle, supplied to US Army Air Force aircraft during the Second World War. Good condition and working. Compass diameter 16.5 cm – 6.5 inches, height 11 cm – 4.3 inches. The compass is made up of a cylindrical brass container, called a mortar, on the bottom of which is fixed a hard metal stem, on which the wind rose is placed, suitably constrained, so that the zero coincides with the magnetic polarity. To reduce friction to a minimum, the mortar is filled with a low freezing point liquid, which also has the purpose of quickly dampening any oscillations of the complex and closed at the top by a sturdy protective glass.
1709294776Code 7740 Survey CompassRare magnetic nautical survey compass, in brass, from the end of the 19th century, signed Elliott Bros London, complete with leather case. It is a small compass, 7 cm in diameter, typically used in recreational sailing, therefore on boats less subject to magnetic deviation. Furthermore it can be held in the hand and therefore away from the magnetic fields of the boat. It is equipped with a sighting system with target complete with optical prism for magnification and a goniometric eight-wind rose on paper so as to make it possible to measure the angle between the sighting line and the north indicated by the needle magnetic. Complete with needle lock. Good condition. Diameter 7 cm - 2.8 inches, thickness 2 cm - 0.8 inches.
1709814301Code 7860 Nautical CompassNautical magnetic compass, made in the USA from the 1930s. Good condition. Housed in its original box with wooden slotted lid and mounted on a gimbal. Box measures 12x12x8.5 cm – 4.8x4.8x3.4 inches. Good condition, signs of use on the box.
1715253393Code 7926 Pocket CompassTraveller’s pocket compass, in turned brass from the Victorian era, late 19th century England, rose on copper plate engraving paper at sixteen winds complete with protractor circle.
Very good state of conservation and perfectly functional. Compass diameter 7 cm – 2.8 inches, height 1.6 cm – 0.55 inches.
1715253794Code 7927 Compass and SundialRare antique compass and sundial together, English manufacture from the mid-19th century, housed in a small brass box complete with lid. The Rose at sixteen twenty, with the inscriptions of the daylight hours in Roman numerals, printed on engraving paper on a copper plate and with a small gnomon in the centre, is hinged on the compass inside the concave protective glass. By orienting the compass towards the north, the mobile gnomon projects a shadow on the hour scale.
Very good state of conservation, perfectly functional. Diameter 4.5 cm – 1.8 inches, height 2.5 cm – 1 inches.
1715358159Code 7929 Compass and SundialRare nautical compass and sundial together, English manufacture from the first half 19th century, housed in a turned brass box complete with screw lid. Rose at sixteen twenty on copper plate engraving paper, brass sundial with daylight hours engraved in Roman numerals and mobile gnomon in the centre. By orienting the compass towards the north, the mobile gnomon projects a shadow on the hour scale. Very good state of conservation, perfectly functional. Diameter 6.5 cm – 2.5 inches, height 2.4 cm – 0.9 inches.
1716040999Code 7936 SundialDiptych sundial in engraved boxwood with brass hinges and clasps, book-shaped, English manufacture, mid-19th century. The clock is equipped with a compass for orientation inserted into the base with needle block and complete with eight-wind rose on paper and protractor circle. The gnomon is made up of a wire that is tensioned, according to the direction of the celestial axis, when the cover of the clock is opened. A label located on the inside of the lid contains instructions in English regarding the operation of the instrument. The time dial is traced inside the lid, indicating the daylight hours. In excellent condition, in perfect working order. Measurements closed: 7.7x5.1x2-inches 3x2.1x1.6 cm.
1719672421Code 7945 Nautical CompassNautical compass on cardan joint made by La Filotecnica Milano from the early 1900s. The compass is made up of a copper and glass container, on the bottom, a metal stem is fixed on which the rose is placed on a thin brass plate stamped with eight winds complete with protractor circle.
The compass is housed in its original walnut wood case with brass locking hooks and hinges.
Box measures 28.5x28.5x15 cm – 11.2x11.2x5.9 inches. Good condition.
1721491872Code 7935 Nautical CompassLarge brass liquid compass signed OBSERVATOR Rotterdam from the 1930s. Eight-wind rose complete with protractor circle. Compass diameter 21.5 – 8.5 cm, height 10.5 – 4.1 cm.
The OBSERVATOR company was a Dutch company from Rotterdam, founded in 1924, then bought by Kelvin Hughes in 1996. It produced various instruments including sextants, etc.
1730995081Code 8031c Magnetic Bearing CompassHand-held magnetic bearing compass, signed Henry Browne & Son Ltd Sestrel Made in England, N. 6162/B Barking & London from the early 1900s. Height 25 cm – 9.8 inches, compass diameter 10.5 cm – 4.1 inches. Excellent condition. Complete with support base made of custom-made brass and steel.
This is a small antique compass, made of brass with a wooden handle typically used in recreational sailing. It is equipped with an optical prism aiming system to magnify the degrees placed on the graduated eight-wind rose so as to make it possible to measure the angle between the aiming line and the north indicated by the magnetic needle. The compass is made up of a cylindrical brass container, called a mortar, on the bottom of which is fixed a hard metal stem, called a sensitive element, on which the wind rose is placed, suitably fastened, so that the zero coincides with the magnetic polarity. To reduce friction to a minimum, the mortar was filled with a low freezing point liquid, also having the aim of quickly dampening any oscillations of the complex and closed at the top by a sturdy protective glass and complete with a wooden handle.
1731771929Code 7903 Aviation CompassEnglish aeronautical compass in brass, glass and Bakelite, signed SMITHS Made in Great Britain Type KCA-1401K from the 1940s, and mounted on a wooden table. Diameter of the compass 11.5 cm - 4.5 inches. Base width 17 cm - 6.7 inches, total height 11 cm - 4.3 inches. Good condition, perfectly working. The compass consists of a cylindrical brass container, called a mortar, mounted on a cardan joint and complete with an adjustable protractor circle for calculating horizontal angles.
1738337265Code 8011 Pocket CompassPocket compass used by American Air Force officers from 1915 in brass in the shape of an onion watch, signed Ceebynite Short & Mason Taylor Rochester N.Y. The compass has a snap-lock lid with a release button inside the ring. Rose with four winds complete with protractor circle for calculating horizontal angles. Good condition, fully functional. Measurements 4.5x1.7 cm – 1.8x0.7 inches.
1743677186Code 8034 Pocket CompassBrass travel nautical bearing compass circa 1920, complete with original leather case, signed The Magnapole Patent 22598.
Small compass used away from magnetic fields to check the ship’s course, complete with protractor circle, and wind rose lock.
Good condition. Light chip in the glass. Measures cm 5.3x2 – inches 2.1x0.7
1746007461Code 8141 Magnetic CompassRare magnetic compass for nautical bearing, pocket in brass, signed Gruchon & Emons Paris N. 81 of 1918, made for U.S Engineer Corps and in use by officers during the First World War. It is a small compass, diameter cm 5.5 - inch 2.4 height cm 1.8, inch 0.6; typically used in sailing pleasure navigation, therefore on boats less subject to magnetic deviation. It can also be held in the hand and therefore away from magnetic fields. It is equipped with a sighting system with target and an eight-wind goniometric rose so as to make it possible to measure the angle between the line of sight and the north indicated by the magnetic needle. Complete with needle lock. Good condition.
1753458027Code 8169 Large Nautical CompassLarge magnetic nautical compass in brass and glass, England, late 19th century, signed Kelvin-White Boston-New York, mounted on a custom oak and brass board. Dimensions: 33 x 25 x 22 cm – 13 x 9.8 x 8.8 inches, compass diameter: 20.5 cm – 8.1 inches.
1756745827Code 8142 Prismatic CompassA small brass prismatic bearing compass, signed E. Koehn Geneve Suisse no. 58611, model Verner’s Pattern VII, named after its designer, Colonel William Willoughby Cole Verner (1852–1922), produced in 1917 and issued to British officers, typically used for navigation. It can also be held in the hand, thus protecting it from magnetic fields. It features a sighting system with a complete optical prism for magnification and a protractor compass rose to measure the angle between the line of sight and the north indicated by the magnetic needle. Complete with compass rose lock and original leather case. Good condition, fully functional, diameter 5.3 cm – 2.2 in, thickness 2 cm – 0.7 in.
1756812123Code 8183 Large Nautical CompassLarge magnetic brass and glass nautical compass, signed KELVIN & HUGHES Ltd, Made in Great Britain, Serial No. 2298 J.M. Made in Great Britain in the early 1900s, mounted on a custom-made walnut and brass base. Complete with a double protractor circle, engraved externally on the brass circle and internally on the compass rose. The compass consists of a cylindrical brass and bronze container for stability, called a mortar. A hard metal stem is attached to the bottom of the mortar, holding the eight-wind compass rose in place, securely 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 glasses.
Good condition, fully functional. Measurements 42x31x23 cm – 16.5x12x9.1 inches.
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.
1758903579Code 8228 Geomantic CompassChinese wooden geomantic compass, circular in shape with a magnetic needle in the center, used in the practice of Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese discipline that studies the harmony between people and their environment, to promote well-being, health, prosperity, and energy balance.
Chinese manufacture, early 1900s.
Good condition, perfectly legible.
Dimensions: 14.8 x 2 cm – 5.9 x 0.8 inches.
1759936814Code 8184 Small CompassSmall turned brass travel compass with cover, eight-wind compass card rose, and protractor circle from copperplate engraving.
English manufacture, second half of the 19th century.
Good condition, signs of use, fully functional.
Dimensions: 5.5 x 2.4 inches – 2.2 x 1 inches
1759937147Code 8251 Pocket CompassSmall pocket and travel compass in chromed brass, issued to the U.S. Army during World War I; the lid is inscribed with "ENG. DEPT. U.S.A. 1917."
Pocket compass in the shape of an onion watch, featuring a lid that opens with a button inside the ring. When the lid is closed, a mechanism activates that locks the needle to prevent it from moving.
The instrument consists of a magnetic needle that can rotate horizontally, indicating the direction of magnetic north.
Signed Usanite N.Y. Taylor Rochester Pat Apr 20-1915.
Good condition, signs of use, slight oxidation inside the compass, fully functional.
Dimensions: 4.5 x 1.2 cm – 1.8 x 0.4 inches.
1759937456Code 8253 Pocket CompassSinclair Haymarket London liquid-filled pocket bearing compass, used by British army officers during the First World War. This is a small, period compass typically used in recreational sailing, and therefore on vessels less subject to magnetic deviation. It can also be held in the hand, away from the vessel’s magnetic fields. It features a sighting system and a protractor compass rose, allowing the angle between the line of sight and the north indicated by the magnetic needle to be measured. In good condition and fully functional.
Dimensions: 5 x 2 cm – 2 x 0.8 inches.
1760195931Code 8223 Prismatic CompassPrismatic hand-bearing compass signed T.G. Co Ltd London No. B267870 1944 MK III, used by British Army officers during World War II. This is a small, period compass typically used in recreational sailing, therefore on vessels less subject to magnetic deviation. It can also be held in the hand, thus away from the vessel’s magnetic fields. It features a sighting system with a complete optical prism for magnification and a protractor compass rose to measure the angle between the line of sight and the north indicated by the magnetic needle. Good condition, fully functional.
Good condition, fully functional.
Dimensions: 5.7 x 3 cm – 2.3 x 1.2 inches.
1760196369Code 8255 Air Force CompassSmall mahogany and brass pocket compass used by British air force officers during the First World War, complete with an eight-compass compass rose with a protractor circle and a compass needle lock for calculating horizontal angles. Signed Barker & Son, 1918. Good condition, signs of wear, the maker’s name has been erased on the wood, in perfect working order. Dimensions: 7.7 x 7.7 x 2.6 cm – 3 x 3 x 1 inches.
1760196717Code 8229 Aeronautical CompassSestrel H B & S London aeronautical compass, made in England in the 1930s, in brass and glass, mounted on a custom-made oak board.
The compass consists of a cylindrical brass container, called a mortar, with a hard metal stem fixed to the bottom. The eight-compass compass rose is held on this stem, 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 rapidly dampen any oscillations of the compass rose. It is enclosed in a sturdy protective glass.
The compass features a movable graduated disc inserted above the compass to set the direction to follow and which can be rotated on itself.
Good condition, fully functional.
Dimensions: 19 x 16 x 17.5 cm – 7.5 x 6.3 x 6.9 inches
1761670874Code 8249 Sestrel CompassHand-held magnetic bearing compass, signed Henry Browne & Son Ltd. Sestrel No. 2511. Made in England, Barking & London, early 1900s.
Housed in its original mahogany box with brass handle, hinges, and latches. A raised brass plate near the handle bears the dealer’s name, Simpson Lawrence Ltd., Glasgow.
Good condition, perfectly working
Box dimensions: 15 x 15 x 31 cm – 5.9 x 5.9 x 12.2 inches.
Do you provide an authenticity certificate/expertise?
Of course! The legislative decree n. 42/2004 stipulates that who sells works of art or historical and archaeological items has the obligation to deliver to the purchaser the documents attesting to the authenticity of the object, or at least to submit the documents relating to the probable attribution and origin. Antik Arte & Scienza provides an expertise (as warranty) that contains a description, period and assignment or the author, if known, of the item.
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What are the shipping terms and the delivery schedule?
Shipping by DHL or UPS is free (but if we are shipping to a country non-EU remember that any taxes and customs duties are on your expense), and items will be sent just after receiving of payment. 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.
If I change my mind, can I return the item?
Of course! (see our general terms for more information).
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
