This is a particularly rare pocket compass made by Short & Mason in the late 19th century, housed in a leather covered wooden case and intended for use at sea, probably as a personal instrument. The compass bowl is gimbal mounted in the nickel plated body which can be removed from its wooden case, and activated by pulling out the inner bezel to release the transit lock. Pushing the compass bowl back relocks the dial to avoid wear in transit. It has a Singers Patent style mother of pearl dial which pivots on a gemstone bearing for reduced friction and as can be seen from the photos is in very good clean condition. The compass measures 55mm in diameter and 17mm deep which extends to 25mm when the bowl is raised. In good working order the only minor blemish is that the outer wooden case is a little warped on the lid so does not quite meet flush when closed. A rare design of compass by a well respected maker, its’ signed Short & Mason Ltd, London on the underside. Please study the photos as they are part of the description, and I will be happy to answer any questions if I can. Please check out my other auctions for more interesting items. The item “Very rare Short & Mason gimballed pocket compass with Singers Patent mop dial” is in sale since Monday, November 12, 2018. This item is in the category “Antiques\Science/Medicine\Scientific Instruments”. The seller is “voradorprime” and is located in Essex. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Period: 1800 to 1900
- Material: Brass
- Type: Compass