A scarce and very good Georgian long necked gold plated antique compass by Gilbert Wright & Hooke in original travel case c1800

A high quality, 2” diameter gilt brass pocket compass having enamelled card dial with hand painted cardinals, intercardinals and false points, fleur de lys indicating north, the cardinals and fleur-de lys illuminated in gold. Polished flat steel bar needle with jewelled suspension, highly-polished gilded reflector ring, convex bevelled crystal. Gilt brass case, long necked suspension post and Georgian pinned bow with transit lock button behind. 

All contained within its original burgundy fish skin covered case, champagne silk to interior. Swinging catch.

Condition: The compass remaining in completely original condition, the case retaining almost all of its original gold-plated finish. The dial crisp and clean, one small light mark to WNW. The crystal in very condition with small casting flaw. The transit lock working correctly. The travel case in above average condition, the verso with marks, the original silk linings intact, some marks.

Comments: In very good working condition, this stunning compass – some 225 years old – is one for the collector and would make a wonderful gift!

Gilbert, Wright & Hooke were only in partnership between 1784 and 1801, thus dating this compass very accurately.