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sellingantiques.co.uk
ID #SA1155556
FOR SALE
£90
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Antique Surveying Compass
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
for sale €105     $114
£90
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2016
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  • About Us
    Selling good quality victorian, georgian and earlier furniture, accessories & decorative items. Ashburton, devon. LAPADA member
  • Trade Associations
    In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA
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Id #SA1155556
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Antique Surveying Compass

1900 - 1920
Description

A good example of an antique Surveyor's compass. The compass is cased in brass with a silvered dial. It has a folding sighting vane and pinhole which open up at either end of the compass.

There is a threaded mount in the base where it would have once fixed to a tripod or stand.

The instrument is in good condition for its age and all parts move as they should but please bear in mind that it is being sold as a decorative / collectors piece rather than an accurate scientific instrument. The case is free from any major dents or damages. There are some minor surface scratches and general marks and light scuffs but nothing detrimental. It has been lightly cleaned and displays very nicely.

Approximate Measurements :

Height : 1" / 2.5cm

Diameter : 4 1/4” / 11cm

The best description comes from the photos so please look at them all carefully and if you have any questions just ask.

Tracked UK Delivery £8

Physical Dimensions
Height
2.5cm (0.98")
Width
11cm (4.33")
Declaration

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors has dated this Antique Brass Surveying Compass to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1155556
Description
A good example of an antique Surveyor's compass. The compass is cased in brass with a silvered dial. It has a folding sighting vane and pinhole which open up at either end of the compass.

There is a threaded mount in the base where it would have once fixed to a tripod or stand.

fig 1. An antique brass surveying compass featuring folding sight vanes, a central needle, and a glass-covered dial.
fig 1. Antique Surveying Compass

The instrument is in good condition for its age and all parts move as they should but please bear in mind that it is being sold as a decorative / collectors piece rather than an accurate scientific instrument. The case is free from any major dents or damages. There are some minor surface scratches and general marks and light scuffs but nothing detrimental. It has been lightly cleaned and displays very nicely.

fig 2. An antique brass surveying compass featuring folding sight vanes, a central needle, and a glass-covered dial.
fig 2. Antique Surveying Compass

Approximate Measurements :

Height : 1" / 2.5cm

Diameter : 4 1/4” / 11cm

“
The best description comes from the photos so please look at them all carefully and if you have any questions just ask.
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors

Tracked UK Delivery £8

Height
2.5cm (0.98")
Width
11cm (4.33")
Date of Manufacture

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors has dated this Antique Brass Surveying Compass to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1155556
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2016

Selling good quality victorian, georgian and earlier furniture, accessories & decorative items. Ashburton, devon. LAPADA member

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors Profile Page

Trade Associations

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors is a registered member of LAPADA  CINOA

Relevant Links
PDF SHARE
SAVE
An antique brass surveying compass featuring folding sight vanes, a central needle, and a glass-covered dial.
1 / 12
Archive I An antique brass surveying compass featuring folding sight vanes, a central needle, and a glass-covered dial.

Antique Surveying Compass

Archive II An antique brass surveying compass featuring folding sight vanes, a central needle, and a glass-covered dial. View II
Archive III An antique brass surveying compass featuring folding sight vanes, a central needle, and a glass-covered dial. View III
Archive IV An antique brass surveying compass featuring folding sight vanes, a central needle, and a glass-covered dial. View IV
Archive V An antique brass surveying compass featuring folding sight vanes, a central needle, and a glass-covered dial. View V
Archive VI An antique brass surveying compass featuring folding sight vanes, a central needle, and a glass-covered dial. View VI
Archive VII An antique brass surveying compass featuring folding sight vanes, a central needle, and a glass-covered dial. View VII
Archive VIII An antique brass surveying compass featuring folding sight vanes, a central needle, and a glass-covered dial. View VIII
Archive IX An antique brass surveying compass featuring folding sight vanes, a central needle, and a glass-covered dial. View IX
Archive X An antique brass surveying compass featuring folding sight vanes, a central needle, and a glass-covered dial. View X
Archive XI An antique brass surveying compass featuring folding sight vanes, a central needle, and a glass-covered dial. View XI
Archive XII An antique brass surveying compass featuring folding sight vanes, a central needle, and a glass-covered dial. View XII
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In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors

In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
Telephone 07800 561 203 or 01364 654 648
Location
7 North Street
Ashburton
Devon
TQ13 7QJ
United Kingdom

Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/nutshell
Verified Since Aug 2016
Items For Sale 255
Items Sold 3,625
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
In A Nutshell Antiques and Interiors
Verified Since Aug 2016
View Dealer Info
Location: 7 North Street, Ashburton, Devon, TQ13 7QJ, United Kingdom, , Opening hours:, Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/nutshell
Verified
Aug 2016
For Sale
255
Sold
3,625
An antique brass surveying compass featuring folding sight vanes, a central needle, and a glass-covered dial.
Antique Surveying Compass
Ref: SA1155556
An antique brass surveying compass featuring folding sight vanes, a central needle, and a glass-covered dial.
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FAQs

Surveying compasses were historically utilised by surveyors, cartographers, and engineers to measure horizontal angles and determine magnetic bearings when mapping terrain.

These instruments were predominantly crafted from solid brass due to its non-magnetic properties, preventing interference with the magnetic needle, along with protective glass and steel pivots.

Authentic period compasses feature hand-engraved cardinal markings, natural patination across non-magnetic brass housings, fine-cut brass screws, and functional folding sight vanes.

A vintage scientific instrument adds historical texture when displayed atop stacked books on an office desk, embedded within a bookshelf display, or placed inside a glazed curio cabinet.

Dust gently using a soft, dry lint-free cloth and avoid abrasive polishes that remove historic patination; store away from strong magnetic fields to preserve needle polarization.
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