A very good and extremely large Georgian surveying compass by Peter Dollond, London c1800, previously owned by Charlie Watts

Antique surveying compass having 7″ hand engraved and decorated silvered dial showing cardinals and intercardinals, the upper part marked “Dollond, London.” Outer stepped ring displaying 0 – 360°, divided to 5°, 1° and ½° increments, with very small arrow above the 360° mark. Polished steel triangular bar needle on jewelled pivot, silvered transit lock. Original flat glass contained within brass bezel. All within a heavy mahogany case, twin brass hinges and swinging catches.

Condition: In very good and original condition, the glass unmarked except for one small light mark and several very small firing flaws demonstrating its originality, the bar needle swinging freely and finding north easily, the lid-activated transit lock working well. The mahogany case case with patina and a few marks commensurate with age and use.

Comments: Although surveying compasses with this style of dial are not uncommon, we have been unable to find another of this diameter – this compass really is an imposing instrument and may have been a special order.

Two other aspects make this compass potentially a one off: first, the compass scale is divided down to ½°, instead of the 1° usually seen; and the needle is triangular in cross section, rather than the usual straight bar needle. Again, we’ve not come across this enhancement before in compasses as early as this, one that is almost certainly there to provide stability and greater accuracy.

Provenance: The Estate of the late Charlie Watts, founding member and drummer of the Rolling Stones. Charlie Watts was an avid collector of interesting and rare artefacts, and this compass is no exception.