There are several types of compasses, including:

The magnetic compass is believed to have been first invented by the Chinese during the Han dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE). However, it was not used for navigation until the Song dynasty (960-1279 CE), when Chinese navigators began using it to navigate ships at sea. The magnetic compass was first brought to Europe by traders during the 12th century, and it quickly became an essential tool for navigation.

During the Age of Exploration, the magnetic more...

25 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

A World War I issue Cruchon & Emons of London Vernier's Pattern…

WWI Vernier Compass in Leather Case with Soldier's Inscription

A World War I issue Cruchon & Emons of London Vernier's Pattern VII compass, in original stitched leather case, brass with ebonised finish, folding top plate, sight and suspension ring, the mother-of-pearl ringed dial with securing side button, maker's…

1939-45 star medal with display the medal with Battle of…

WWII Memorabilia Set with 1939-45 Star and Accessories

1939-45 star medal with display the medal with Battle of Britain clasp, two badges, Spitfire model and vintage aviators cap, miniature compass and 1942 stocking medallion

An English World War I brass Pilots wrist compass

WWI Brass Pilot's Wrist Compass

An English World War I brass Pilots wrist compass

A Thomas Gaunt prismatic compass in leather case, 19th century,…

19th Century Thomas Gaunt Prismatic Compass in Leather Case

A Thomas Gaunt prismatic compass in leather case, 19th century, 10 cm diameter

Vintage brass compass, dial reads W. MacDonnell & Co. Sydney

Vintage Brass Compass by W. MacDonnell & Co. Sydney

Vintage brass compass, dial reads W. MacDonnell & Co. Sydney

Three pairs 'tool' cufflinks, including compass, spirit level,…

Tool-inspired Cufflinks Trio: Compass, Level, and Thermometer

Three pairs 'tool' cufflinks, including compass, spirit level, and compass/thermometer

World War I military compass, with original leather carry case,…

1915 Military Compass with Leather Case by L Kamm & Co

World War I military compass, with original leather carry case, stamped 1915, London maker: L Kamm & Co

Dennison World War I 1916 compass

Dennison's WWI Compass (1916)

Dennison World War I 1916 compass

World War II era astro compass & tripod

WWII Astro Compass & Tripod Set

World War II era astro compass & tripod

A P8 Aircraft compass

P8 Aircraft Compass

A P8 Aircraft compass

RAAF brass cased compass, approx 13.5 cm dia

RAAF Brass Compass - 13.5 cm Diameter

RAAF brass cased compass, approx 13.5 cm dia

Jack Sue's field compass with case, TG Co Ltd London; Serial no…

Jack Sue's Damaged Field Compass from WWII

Jack Sue's field compass with case, TG Co Ltd London; Serial no 45339 1940 MK III. This type of compass was used throughout World War II during the Japanese occupation as well as in the Malaysia conflict. Jack's compass was damaged during an operational…

World War I period type P10 compass from a Lancaster bomber, in…

WWI P10 Compass in Original Box from Lancaster Bomber

World War I period type P10 compass from a Lancaster bomber, in original timber box.

A T.G &Co London Surveyors compass with case together with an…

T.G & Co London Surveyors Compass and Inclinometer Set

A T.G &Co London Surveyors compass with case together with an hand held inclinometer

Australian World War II dated military compass complete with…

WWII Military Compass with Handmade Lanyard

Australian World War II dated military compass complete with very nice hand made lanyard

World War II era US military compass complete with it's leather…

WWII US Military Compass and Leather Case with Belt Pouch

World War II era US military compass complete with it's leather carrying case, together with a World War II US army belt pouch

A World War I army compass believed to Have been used by Sgt.…

WWI Army Compass Belonging to Sgt. George B. Nagle

A World War I army compass believed to Have been used by Sgt. George B. Nagle 1st Machine Cun Company, By 'Sherwood & Co. London no. 54404 1915', chromed brass, inscribed to lid '1st Mgc 546 Sgt G B Nagle France 16.6.16', with a copy of Nagle's war…

An Army issue pocket compass, Verner's pattern, original…

1915 Army Pocket Compass with Leather Case

An Army issue pocket compass, Verner's pattern, original leather case dated 191.5 cm

Compass egg timer, measures 8 cm high

Compact Compass Egg Timer - 8cm

Compass egg timer, measures 8 cm high

World WarII RAAF compass, in timber case, 13 cm wide

RAAF WWII Compass in Timber Case (9 words)

World WarII RAAF compass, in timber case, 13 cm wide

World WarII aircraft astro compass, 22 cm high, with timber case

WWII Astro Compass with Timber Case

World WarII aircraft astro compass, 22 cm high, with timber case

Late 19th century drawing set in presentation box (mahogany).…

Victorian Era Drawing Set in Mahogany Box

Late 19th century drawing set in presentation box (mahogany). Includes ivory pens, compass set etc

Luftwaffe flight wrist compass in working order

Working Luftwaffe Flight Wrist Compass

Luftwaffe flight wrist compass in working order

World War II cased compass. Gimbal mounted in box. Unbranded.…

WWII Gimbal Mounted Compass in Box

World War II cased compass. Gimbal mounted in box. Unbranded. Diameter 14 cm. (compass)

Vintage military brass compass

Brass Military Compass - Vintage

Vintage military brass compass