A scarce, high quality, 1⅜” diameter silver pocket compass having enamelled card dial with hand painted cardinals, intercardinals and false points, fleur de lys indicating north, a very small arrow to the outside of NNW indicating magnetic north at the time. The upper part carrying the maker “Cary,” the lower part “London.” Polished flat steel bar needle with jewelled suspension, highly-polished reflector ring, convex crystal. Silver drum form case, long necked suspension post and Georgian bow with transit lock button behind. Contained within its original, champagne silk-lined, moroccan leather-covered case with swinging brass keeper.

Condition: The compass remaining in completely original condition, very light hazing, the crystal near-perfect, the leather case modestly worn, retaining most of its original finish. Crisp overall.

Comments: This most attractive compass is unusual, being of smaller size and in silver.  William Cary was one of the most respected manufacturers and retailers of scientific instruments at the time.

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