Military compass - Brass, Glass - Ancient pocket compass
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Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Elena Napoleone
Holds a bachelor's degree in history of art and architecture, with 12 years of experience in decorative arts.
Estimate € 110 - € 160
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Pocket compass dating to 1910–1920, made of brass with a glass cover, in excellent condition with an intact suspension ring and a functional needle-blocking mechanism from a WWI French military context.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Pocket brass compass dating from the World War I period (1914-1918).
The brass case presents a completely smooth back and is free of marks.
The inner dial is made of stamped/engraved metal with European intercardinal coordinates (S, W, SO, NW, NO). The upper structure includes the original suspension ring, intended to be attached to a pocket chain.
The compass is equipped with the classic and sought-after mechanical transit-lock system operable via the small protruding pin on the left side of the case. This mechanism, designed to lift and lock the magnetic needle during pedestrian movements to prevent wear, is fully intact and snappy. The magnetic needle moves incredibly smoothly and responds precisely to changes in direction.
The instrument is in truly exceptional preservation condition for its age. The exterior brass shows a beautiful natural patina of time and a clean radial brushing on the back, with no deep oxidation bloom or dents. The protective glass is intact and provides perfect legibility of the inner dial, which preserves all the details of the original print.
Pocket brass compass dating from the World War I period (1914-1918).
The brass case presents a completely smooth back and is free of marks.
The inner dial is made of stamped/engraved metal with European intercardinal coordinates (S, W, SO, NW, NO). The upper structure includes the original suspension ring, intended to be attached to a pocket chain.
The compass is equipped with the classic and sought-after mechanical transit-lock system operable via the small protruding pin on the left side of the case. This mechanism, designed to lift and lock the magnetic needle during pedestrian movements to prevent wear, is fully intact and snappy. The magnetic needle moves incredibly smoothly and responds precisely to changes in direction.
The instrument is in truly exceptional preservation condition for its age. The exterior brass shows a beautiful natural patina of time and a clean radial brushing on the back, with no deep oxidation bloom or dents. The protective glass is intact and provides perfect legibility of the inner dial, which preserves all the details of the original print.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Title additional information
Ancient pocket compass
Number of objects
1
Country of origin
France
Material
Brass, Glass
Style
Antique
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
8 cm
Width
6 cm
Depth
1 cm
Military Context
Yes
Weight
58 g
Army unit
Army/Infantry
Estimated period
1910-1920
Authenticity
Original/official
Comes with certificate of authenticity
No
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