A high quality, 1½” diameter gilt brass pocket compass having enamelled card dial with hand painted cardinals, intercardinals and false points, fleur de lys indicating north, small arrow to the outside of NNW indicating magnetic north at the time. The upper part carrying the maker “Watkins & Hill,” the lower part “Charing Cross.” Polished flat steel bar needle with jewelled suspension, highly-polished gilded reflector ring, convex crystal. Gilt brass drum form case, long necked suspension post and Georgian bow with transit lock button behind. Contained within its original, maroon velvet and silk lined, moroccan leather-covered case with swinging brass keeper.

Condition: The compass remaining in completely original condition, retaining much of its original gold-plated finish, light marks to verso. The crystal near-perfect, the leather case modestly worn. Crisp overall.

Comments: In better than average condition, the dial almost perfect. Watkins & Hill was a respected manufacturer and retailer of scientific instruments at the time.

In wonderful original condition, this antique pocket compass is very much a collector’s piece.