ANTIQUE GILT BRASS HAND BEARING COMPASS BY WHITE c1870 – Sold

A scarce, high quality, gilded brass hand bearing compass by James White, instrument maker to the University of Glasgow, c1870

Antique Gilt Brass Hand Bearing Compass by White c1870 – SOLD


Antique compass having 1½” diameter enamelled card marked “J. White” and “Glasgow,” applied black cardinal, intercardinals and false points. Polished flat steel bar needle with jewelled suspension, highly-polished reflector ring, convex crystal. All within a gilded brass barrel form case with suspension post and bow. Transit button to stem. Contained within its original, green velvet-lined, moroccan leather-covered case with gilt brass keeper.

This most attractive antique compass remains in completely original condition. The gilding and crystal with light abrasions, some losses to the gold-plating on suspension post and bow, the leather case modestly worn retaining a good proportion of original finish, the velvet vibrant. Crisp overall.

The needle swinging freely and finding north easily, the transit lock working correctly. A very good and sought-after example.

James White is recorded as working at 78 Union Street, Glasgow between 1869-1875. He held the appointment of instrument maker to the University of Glasgow.

Dimensions: 2″ diameter x ½” deep

Stock No: SI0942

Price: SOLD

Image of James White Victorian Compass
Image of James White Victorian Compass
Image of James White Victorian Compass
Image of James White Victorian Compass
Image of James White Victorian Compass
Image of James White Victorian Compass