Code BA24022101: Georgian Leather-Cased Long-Neck Silver Compass by DIXEY, Hallmarks London, 1836
| This is a rare Georgian Long-Neck open-face Silver compass dating from 1836 and made by DIXEY of London DIXEY of London. The case is sterling silver with London 1836 silver hallmarks on the back. The case is also engraved with maker's initials There is also the maker's initials M H (Mary Ann Holmes). 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 G & C (George & Charles) DIXEY, BOND STREET, LONDON. It is numbered every 10 degrees and graduated every 5 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 compass has a quality bar neddle with a jewelled brass cap. 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 extremely precise and finds North easily. This is a very rare compass measuring 41mm in diameter. It comes in its original leather-wood case that is still in excellent condition for its age. It measures 52mm in diameter with strong hinge and a hook to secure the lid closed. |
SOLD
