Germany - Mariner's compass - 1960-1970 - Liquid-Filled Gimballed
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Vintage liquid-filled gimballed mariner’s compass, circa 1960–1970, of German origin, mounted in a black metal housing with a wooden base, suspended in a two-axis gimbal with green damping liquid and a 360° compass card, dimensions 11 × 8 × 5.8 cm and weight 185 g, in good condition with signs of aging.
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Description from the seller
A distinctive vintage liquid-filled gimballed mariner’s compass, of probable German manufacture and dating to approximately the 1960s.
Designed for use aboard a boat, the compass is suspended within a two-axis gimbal system, allowing the compass bowl to remain relatively level as the vessel moves. The card is immersed in a striking green damping liquid, which stabilises its movement and makes the heading easier to read.
The black compass card carries a full 360-degree scale together with large cardinal and intermediate direction markings. Particularly characteristic is the use of “O” for East, from the German “Ost”, supporting a German-speaking origin. The central card is decorated with a traditional compass-rose motif.
The compass is mounted in a black metal housing with bright metal trim and gimbal supports, fixed to a shaped wooden mounting base with original-style hardware.
The dating to approximately 1960–1970 is based on the combination of its compact post-war construction, liquid-filled compass bowl, metal gimbal arrangement, materials, typography and overall design. No manufacturer’s mark has been identified, so no maker attribution is made.
The compass is functional: the card responds correctly when the instrument is turned and settles towards magnetic direction, while the gimbal mechanism moves freely. It has not been professionally calibrated for navigational accuracy.
The compass remains in good vintage condition with attractive signs of age and use. The dial is clearly legible, with some spotting, discoloration and localised wear to the original surface and markings. The green damping liquid remains present. The metal components and wooden base show normal age-related wear, scratches and patina. Please study the photographs, which form an important part of the condition description.
Dimensions: approximately 11 × 8 × 5.8 cm
Weight: approximately 185 g including the wooden base.
A characterful and functional piece of mid-20th-century maritime equipment, suitable for a nautical, maritime or navigational instrument collection.
The item will be carefully packed for safe shipment.
A distinctive vintage liquid-filled gimballed mariner’s compass, of probable German manufacture and dating to approximately the 1960s.
Designed for use aboard a boat, the compass is suspended within a two-axis gimbal system, allowing the compass bowl to remain relatively level as the vessel moves. The card is immersed in a striking green damping liquid, which stabilises its movement and makes the heading easier to read.
The black compass card carries a full 360-degree scale together with large cardinal and intermediate direction markings. Particularly characteristic is the use of “O” for East, from the German “Ost”, supporting a German-speaking origin. The central card is decorated with a traditional compass-rose motif.
The compass is mounted in a black metal housing with bright metal trim and gimbal supports, fixed to a shaped wooden mounting base with original-style hardware.
The dating to approximately 1960–1970 is based on the combination of its compact post-war construction, liquid-filled compass bowl, metal gimbal arrangement, materials, typography and overall design. No manufacturer’s mark has been identified, so no maker attribution is made.
The compass is functional: the card responds correctly when the instrument is turned and settles towards magnetic direction, while the gimbal mechanism moves freely. It has not been professionally calibrated for navigational accuracy.
The compass remains in good vintage condition with attractive signs of age and use. The dial is clearly legible, with some spotting, discoloration and localised wear to the original surface and markings. The green damping liquid remains present. The metal components and wooden base show normal age-related wear, scratches and patina. Please study the photographs, which form an important part of the condition description.
Dimensions: approximately 11 × 8 × 5.8 cm
Weight: approximately 185 g including the wooden base.
A characterful and functional piece of mid-20th-century maritime equipment, suitable for a nautical, maritime or navigational instrument collection.
The item will be carefully packed for safe shipment.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Title additional information
Liquid-Filled Gimballed
Number of objects
1
Country of origin
Germany
Material
Glass, Metal, Wood
Style
Industrial
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
11 cm
Width
8 cm
Depth
5.8 cm
Weight
185 g
Estimated period
1960-1970
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