ANTIQUE
SUNDIALS & COMPASSES for sale
A small English compass
in a 2 1/2 inch square mahogany case. The
compass itself has a diameter of 2 1/4 inches, a needle clamp which
automatically clamps the needle for travel when the lid is closed, and a paper dial
showing 0 – 90 for each quarter, and the cardinal points, in the early style
of NbW meaning North by West, and the fleur-de-lys for north.
The lid is held onto the body by a pair of triangular brass hinges and
closed by a triangular shaped catch. A pocket compass
from the late 18th century or early 19th century
- £135
A
late 18th century or early 19th century, Compass
Dial, signed
on the chapter ring James Hall,
with hand coloured paper compass rose. This pocket dial,
first introduced in the mid 18th century, was used not only for
telling the time during daylight hours, but was also the only reference against
which many Georgian gentlemen could set their mechanical pocket watches.
The silvered chapter ring is engraved in Roman Numerals, and supports an
engraved bridge holding the sprung gnomon. It can be rotated in the compass
bowl, so that the dial can be set to the compass. The gnomon is hinged
to fold for transportation and the screw on brass lid
completes the instrument. The paper compass dial is
printed with the cardinal points (32 compass points), four quarters of 0 – 90
degrees, as well a fine scroll centre rose and the iron compass needle has a
counterbalance weight near the point. The dial is 2 1/4 inches diameter, has
some detail turning on the lid and underside of the bowl and in good condition
overall. -£545
A aluminium cased survey compass with green dial, lacquered brass needle clamp and damping spring with plunger. The dry card compass has a Flur-de-leis to indicate north and a 360 scale around the circumference. The whole instrument is in good condition. - £45
A
late 19th century prismatic compass.
The hinged sights have a sighting line and viewpoints. The maker’s name (J.Hicks,
8 Hatton Garden, London.) and fleur
de Lys are printed on the compass card. The lacquered black compass has a
serial number (227)
and hinged front and rear
sights, which fold for storage. The whole instrument is in excellent condition. -
£85
this page was last updated 15/07/2008