Code BA13021629: Georgian Long-Neck Hallmarked Silver Compass by John-Langlands, Newcastle, 1795
| This is a rare Georgian Long-Neck open-face Silver compass dating from 1795 and made by John-Langlands of Newcastle. "For sixty years the Langlands family were the largest manufactureres of plate in Newcastle. After the death of Isaac Cookson in 1754, two of his former apprentices and journeymen John Langlands I and John Goodrick took over his business manufacturing a moderate range of silverware. This partnership ended with the death of Goodrick in 1757; the business not only survived, but continued to thrive and in 1788 John Langlands I formed a partnership with John Robertson I. This well respected and recognised partnership was dissolved in 1795, two years after Langland's death. Under the management of Langland's son, John Langlands II the business continued to produce a high level of silver plate, and even after his death in 1804, his widow Dorothy Langlands maintained a flourishing business until her retirement in 1814." (source: http://www.acsilver.co.uk). The case is sterling silver with London 1795 silver hallmarks on the back lid. The case is also engraved with maker's initials V D. The silver case is still in excellent condition with only a small dent on the back. 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 JOHN LANGLANDS, NEWCASTLE. The transit lock can be activated by sliding a small lever on the back of 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 around 40mm in diameter and around 59mm from bottom to bow. |
SOLD
