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ID #SA641224
FOR SALE
£850
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Georgian Mahogany & Brass Mine's Compass by R. Field & Son, Birmingham C.1800
For sale by Original Retro
for sale €995     $1,080
£850

Original Retro

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jul 2011
Browse dealers 105 items
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Id #SA641224
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Georgian Mahogany & Brass Mine's Compass by R. Field & Son, Birmingham C.1800

19th century
For Sale by Original Retro
Description

Georgian Mahogany & Brass Mine's Compass by R. Field & Son, Birmingham c.1800

This compass was used down in the pit to ensure tunnels were made in 'straight' lines.

The case of the compass is made of mahogany and fitted with brass fittings, it has a steel 360 degree outer ring with engraved numbering and a engraved brass/silvered North, East, South, West dial with a nicely engraved direction star in the middle of the dial, the protective glass is fitted by a brass ring, two by-folding brass sighting slots at the North and South of the case.

Above the star is the makers name engraved ' R. Field & Son. Birmingham'

At the right hand lower corner is a small brass button to puss the compass needle against the glass to hold the direction.

The detachable mahogany lid is fitted with two brass pin slotted hinges, what makes it easy to slide the lid on and off the main compass.

The compass case is closed by two brass V-shaped locks.

At the base of the compass case is a brass pole fitting situated.

Physical Dimensions
Height
7cm (2.76")
Width
16cm (6.30")
Depth
17cm (6.69")
Declaration

Original Retro has dated this Georgian Brass Miner Compass to the 1800s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA641224
Dealers Notes

Valley Antique Centre

Hollins Mill

Suite 5 Unit 8

Pennine Industrial Park

Valley Road

Hebden Bridge

HX7 7BZ

(0044) 01422 887420 or (0044) 07780 687139

Openings Times:

Every day from 10 pm - 16.00 am

Description
Georgian Mahogany & Brass Mine's Compass by R. Field & Son, Birmingham c.1800

This compass was used down in the pit to ensure tunnels were made in 'straight' lines.

The case of the compass is made of mahogany and fitted with brass fittings, it has a steel 360 degree outer ring with engraved numbering and a engraved brass/silvered North, East, South, West dial with a nicely engraved direction star in the middle of the dial, the protective glass is fitted by a brass ring, two by-folding brass sighting slots at the North and South of the case.

fig 1. A circular Georgian brass and silvered compass rose with engraved degree markings housed in a square mahogany timber frame.
fig 1. Georgian Mahogany & Brass Mine's Compass by R. Field & Son, Birmingham C.1800

Above the star is the makers name engraved ' R. Field & Son. Birmingham'

“
At the right hand lower corner is a small brass button to puss the compass needle against the glass to hold the direction.
Original Retro

The detachable mahogany lid is fitted with two brass pin slotted hinges, what makes it easy to slide the lid on and off the main compass.

The compass case is closed by two brass V-shaped locks.

At the base of the compass case is a brass pole fitting situated.

Height
7cm (2.76")
Width
16cm (6.30")
Depth
17cm (6.69")
Date of Manufacture

Original Retro has dated this Georgian Brass Miner Compass to the 1800s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA641224
Original Retro
Sellingantiques verified Since Jul 2011
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Original Retro Profile Page

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A circular Georgian brass and silvered compass rose with engraved degree markings housed in a square mahogany timber frame.
1 / 9
Archive I A circular Georgian brass and silvered compass rose with engraved degree markings housed in a square mahogany timber frame.

Georgian Mahogany & Brass Mine's Compass by R. Field & Son, Birmingham C.1800

Archive II A circular Georgian brass and silvered compass rose with engraved degree markings housed in a square mahogany timber frame. View II
Archive III A circular Georgian brass and silvered compass rose with engraved degree markings housed in a square mahogany timber frame. View III
Archive IV A circular Georgian brass and silvered compass rose with engraved degree markings housed in a square mahogany timber frame. View IV
Archive V A circular Georgian brass and silvered compass rose with engraved degree markings housed in a square mahogany timber frame. View V
Archive VI A circular Georgian brass and silvered compass rose with engraved degree markings housed in a square mahogany timber frame. View VI
Archive VII A circular Georgian brass and silvered compass rose with engraved degree markings housed in a square mahogany timber frame. View VII
Archive VIII A circular Georgian brass and silvered compass rose with engraved degree markings housed in a square mahogany timber frame. View VIII
Archive IX A circular Georgian brass and silvered compass rose with engraved degree markings housed in a square mahogany timber frame. View IX
Enlarged Archival View

Original Retro
Telephone 01422 887420 or 07780 687139
Location
Valley Antique Centre
Suite 5 Unit 8
Pennine Industrial Park
Valley Road
Hebden Bridge
West Yorkshire
HX7 7BZ
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/originalretro
Verified Since Jul 2011
Items For Sale 105
Items Sold 7
Original Retro
Verified Since Jul 2011
View Dealer Info
Location: Valley Antique Centre, Suite 5 Unit 8, Pennine Industrial Park, Valley Road, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX7 7BZ, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/originalretro
Verified
Jul 2011
For Sale
105
Sold
7
A circular Georgian brass and silvered compass rose with engraved degree markings housed in a square mahogany timber frame.
Georgian Mahogany & Brass Mine's Compass by R. Field & Son, Birmingham c.1800
Ref: SA641224
A circular Georgian brass and silvered compass rose with engraved degree markings housed in a square mahogany timber frame.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Detail View 8
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectScientific Instruments
  • Period19th century
  • StyleGeorgian
  • MaterialMahogany, Brass, Glass, Silvered Metal
  • ColourWarm Brown, Silver, Gold
  • MotifsEngraved compass rose, Degree scale markings, Steel compass needle, Brass bezel
  • SizeH 7 cm (3 in) x W 16 cm (6 in) x D 17 cm (7 in)

This Georgian mine's compass originates from around 1800 and takes the form of a scientific instrument housed in a square mahogany timber frame with a circular brass bezel. The piece combines warm brown wood, a silvered and engraved North, East, South, West dial, a steel 360 degree outer ring, and golden brass hardware including a small brass button and brass V-shaped locks. Finely detailed elements comprise an engraved direction star in the centre of the dial, maker lettering reading R. Field and Son Birmingham above the star, and degree scale markings. The object measures 7 cm high, 16 cm wide, and 17 cm deep. Practical applications for this scientific instrument place it on an office desk within a gentleman's library study environment. Users position the compass to display historical instrumentation and engineering craftsmanship on a working surface or display shelf. The compact dimensions allow placement alongside books and papers while retaining visibility of the engraved compass rose and degree markings.

FAQs

A mines compass, or miners dial, was used by surveyors and engineers to navigate subterranean passages and construct accurate maps of underground mining operations.

These instruments were predominantly constructed using cast brass bezels, engraved silvered brass dials, steel needles, and protective solid mahogany casings.

Authentic pieces feature hand-engraved maker signatures, period-appropriate typography, silvered compass roses, and natural surface oxidisation across brass elements.

It can be styled flat or elevated on a stand upon a study desk, library bookshelf, or console top alongside complementary historical scientific objects.

Dust gently with a dry microfibre cloth, avoid harsh chemical brass polishes that remove aged patina, and keep away from direct sunlight or humid environments.
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