A Georgian mahogany cased compass, made c.1820-1840. It is quite large - at 105mm x 105mm - most of the wooden compasses made around this time were much smaller, usually around 54mm square. This type of mahogany cased compass was produced from around the end of the 18th century to the mid-19th century. This example has a typically ornate late Georgian to early Victorian style of compass card design. It also has the distinctive, delicate and finely balanced blued needle with a brass 'crown' pivot. The crown pivot and hand-made triangular hinges point to it being a Georgian rather than Victorian compass. The compass is in very good working order and finds North very well. With a paper compass card, flat blued needle, crown pivot, and a transit lock operated by a small pin and lever when the lid is closed.
The compass has one repaired hinge - the original right hand hinge has been moved inwards and carefully repositioned due to slight damage to the woodwork near the hinge. This is a very old repair, skilfully executed, utilising the original hinge and pins. Both hinges are strong, stable, and working very well. Inside the lid there are some very old and faint pencil notes which look like: 'Bord Dip N 60 E, Slant S Dip 75 E' and possibly 'S 60W, N 73 W'. The mention of 'Dip;' in these notes suggests that the compass may have originally have been used by a mining engineer or surveyor.
Condition:
In very good condition, full working order, and finds North very well. The wooden case is in good condition, with general signs of age and use, a few marks, and a repair to the right hand hinge. The clasp is quite a tight fit, but is working well. The compass card and glass are in very good condition. There is some surface corrosion to the needle. The transit lock is working well.
Dimensions: 105mm x 105mm x 20mm
