Code BA25020601: Victorian Gimballed Compass by EUGENE DIETZGEN, c. 1890
| This is a rare compass probably made by Short & Mason for EUGENE DIETZGEN around 1890. The compass is housed in a hunter case made of white brass. It is suspended by two gimbals, which allow using it where it is not possible to keep it steady at the horizontal. Gimbals are usually used with compasses on board of ships to compensate the rocking movement of the ship. The case is in excellent condition and free of dings or dents. It has a strong hinge and the front lid springs open when the push button under the loop is pressed. The front lid is engraved: EUGENE DIETZGEN Co., NEW YORK, CHICAGO, TORONTO. It is also engraved with the logo of the Short & Mason company. Inside the lid it has the serial numbers 46, D. The bezel of the inner compass must be pulled (raised) to make use of the compass and gimbals. When the compass is pushed back inside the case, the transit lock is activated automatically and freezes the dial of the compass to avoid undue wear to the pivot when the compass is not in use. The Mother-of-Pearl dial is a variation of the Singer's Patent dial and is in excellent condition. The gimbals allow the compass to swing smoothly and the compass is very accurate, finding North without any problem. The compass has approximately 56 mm in diameter excluding the pendant and the ring. This is considered as rare and would make a great add to any serious collection. |
SOLD
