Code BA09092504: Georgian Leather-Cased Long-Neck Silver Compass by DIXEY, Hallmarks London, 1854
| This is a rare Georgian Long-Neck open-face Silver compass dating from 1854 and made by DIXEY of London (more information about the makers may be found here: http://www.cwdixeyandson.com). The case is sterling silver with London 1854 silver hallmarks on the back. The case is also engraved with maker's initials J. H (see the following link for more details: http://www.silvermakersmarks.co.uk/Makers/London-JG-JK.html#JH). The silver case is still in excellent condition without any dings or dents. The bow has a very nice design typically used in the late 1700s and early 1800s. The same design was used on pocket watches of this era as well. The compass has a porcelain dial signed C. W. DIXEY, BOND STREET. It is numbered every 10 degrees and graduated in degrees. Between North and East, the numbers go from 0 to 90, than from 90 to 0 between East and South. The same pattern is repeated between South and West, and between West and North. This kind of compass is highly precise and several examples were used by the military for this reason. The porcelain dial is free of chips or hairlines. The transit lock can be activated by sliding a small lever under the long neck. The dial is covered with its original glass crystal free of chips and scratches. The compass is precise and find North easily. This is a very rare compass measuring 41mm in diameter. It comes in its original leather-wood case that is still in good condition for its age. Measures 52mm in diameter with strong hinge and a hook to secure the lid closed. This example is very unusual since this version of the dial was used only on larger examples such as this one: http://www.borealarrow.com/Compasses/BA10042639/d.htm. |
SOLD
