A large and rare 5” diameter compass in mahogany case by Benjamin Cole II, London c1780

Large Georgian 5” diameter compass having printed paper dial with cardinals, intercardinals, false points and by points, North indicated by a stylised fleur de lys, outer scale 0-360°, and with an ornate and beautiful compass rose design, marked to the centre by the maker’s name “Cole, Fleet Street, London.” Fine blued steel needle, marked in gilt “N” and “S”, pivoting under a hand-formed brass boss. Outer stepped brass azimuth ring marked 0-360°. Original flat glass contained in a brass bezel within a substantial mahogany case with swinging catch. Both the mahogany case and the glass marked “5.”

Very rare, particularly at this size, this compass is in wonderful condition, the paper dial flat and taut with a few signs of ageing, the needle finding north easily, the glass with original firing flaws, the mahogany case with some very slight shrinkage and warping.

This is an opportunity to acquire a large and very original example by one of the respected instrument makers of the age.