Code BA12100868: Georgian Long-Neck Hallmarked Silver Compass by James Long, c. 1790
| This is a rare Georgian Long-Neck open-face Silver compass dating from c. 1790 and made by James Long at Royal Exchange, London. James Long was apprenticed to Edward Nairne in 1769. He is listed as working from various addresses at the Royal Exchange, but used the address Royal Exchange, London between the dates 1781-1805. This is a first indication to date this compass. The London silver hallmarks are the second indication. They are located inside the back lid. The letter is not visible and this is clearly due to a manufacture fault. The other hallmarks narrow this date to the interval 1786-1795. The last indication is to compare the hallmarks with two other compasses. The first is signed Dollond, London and hallmarked 1785. The second is signed John Langlands, Newcastle and is hallmarked 1795. The three compasses have the same design and the difference of their magnetic deviation is depicted in one picture. This confirms that the manufacture date of this compass falls between 1786 and 1794. The case is sterling silver and still in excellent condition without dings or dents. The bow has a very nice design typically used in the late 1700s. The same design was used on pocket watch of this era as well. The compass has a porcelain dial signed Jas LONG, ROYAL EXCHANGE, LONDON. The transit lock can be activated by sliding a small lever on the back of the long neck. This compass has a sophisticated transit lock with hand-made pinned levers and springs. The dial is covered with its original glass crystal free of chips but shows some light scratches after all these years. The compass is precise and find North easily. This is a very rare compass measuring 41mm in diameter and 58mm from bottom to bow. |
SOLD
