A rare bright plated collapsible gimballed pocket compass with Singer style floating card in travel case c1880

Gimballed compass having 1½” diameter mother of pearl floating card with hand painted Singer pattern compass rose displaying cardinals and intercardinals, suspended on a jewelled bearing. Bevelled crystal with a silvered retaining ring marked with lubber line. The compass bowl supported in gimbals held within a telescopic outer sheath. Transit lock.

All contained within its leather over wood dark blue silk and velvet lined travel case with twin swinging catches.

Condition: The dial in excellent condition, with no losses, swinging freely and easily finding North. The telescopic case retaining most of its original bright plating, the transit lock working correctly.

The travel case in very good original condition, with minor wear, the linings vibrant.

Comments: These collapsible gimballed pocket compasses are not common, and this one is in particularly fine condition, the bright plating most likely nickel. A very similar example is shown in Kornelia Takacs’ “Compass Chronicles,” p36.

Both one for the collector and a wonderful gift.