Antique Pocket Compass

19th century

Sold by Opus Antiques

Description

A charming small pocket compass dating to around 1870, set in a hinged mahogany case.

The compass is of the floating card dial type with a central pivot & probably dates to between 1860 & 1870, the entire dial moves on this pivot to show the direction rather than using a needle. The lid is secured with a brass catch to the front, and once opened reveals the compass. Although it's not signed, almost identical examples have been recorded with the makers name Yeates & Son, Dublin.

The compass measures 6.5cm w x6.5cm d x 2cm h.

The Yeates family business "Instrument Makers and Opticians" first apeard in directories in 1790. The shop moved to 2 Grafton St, Dublin in 1827. The business became Yeates and Son "Instrument Makers and Opticians" in 1865 when Stephen Mitchell Yeats took over the business which his father George Mitchell Yeates had raised him in. The business advertised as "Instrument makers to the University". They claimed to specialize in scientific and educational instruments.

Physical Dimensions

Height

2cm (0.79")

Width

6.5cm (2.56")

Depth

6.3cm (2.48")

Declaration

Opus Antiques has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA841163

Dealers Notes

Own a piece of history

Description

A charming small pocket compass dating to around 1870, set in a hinged mahogany case.

“

The compass is of the floating card dial type with a central pivot & probably dates to between 1860 & 1870, the entire dial moves on this pivot to show the direction rather than using a needle.

Opus Antiques

The lid is secured with a brass catch to the front, and once opened reveals the compass. Although it's not signed, almost identical examples have been recorded with the makers name Yeates & Son, Dublin.

The compass measures 6.5cm w x6.5cm d x 2cm h.

The Yeates family business "Instrument Makers and Opticians" first apeard in directories in 1790. The shop moved to 2 Grafton St, Dublin in 1827. The business became Yeates and Son "Instrument Makers and Opticians" in 1865 when Stephen Mitchell Yeats took over the business which his father George Mitchell Yeates had raised him in. The business advertised as "Instrument makers to the University". They claimed to specialize in scientific and educational instruments.