Code BA23051501: Georgian Leather-Cased Long-Neck Gold Plated Compass by Dobson of London, c. 1800
| This is a stunning long-neck pocket compass made by William Dobson around 1800. William Dobson (1796 - 1847) was a maker and retailer who had a number of different addresses on the Strand in London throughout his 50 years in business. The case is tested 10K Gold Plated and still in excellent condition without dings, dents or scratches. The original slightly domed glass crystal is in excellent condition without chips or scratches. The hand-painted porcelain dial is a real beauty with very detailed information. It has a unique design with graduations every degree and numerals in quadrants every 10 degrees, starting from 0 to 90 from North to East, then decreasing from 90 to 0 from East to South. The same pattern is repeated between North and West and between West and South. The dial is signed William Dobson, Strand. The compass has a quality jewelled cap with a bar needle. It is in excellent working order and finding North very easily. Under the long neck, there is a small lever acting as a transit lock, lifting the brass disc located under brass cap to avoid any contact with the pivot. The compass comes in its original leather case that is still in excellent condition. It has a strong hinge and two hooks to secure the lid closed to protect the compass when carried. The compass measures approximately 52 mm in diameter. This is a large compass compared to other compasses. The leather case measures approximately 60 mm in diameter. This is to be considered as extremely rare and has great value for the serious collector. |
SOLD
