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...

13 items found:

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

A solid brass plane table Alidade with directional ruler and…

Brass Plane Table Alidade with Compass Base and Ruler

A solid brass plane table Alidade with directional ruler and built-in compass base, 35 cm wide

Troughton & Simms theodolite horizontal full circle with…

Troughton & Simms Theodolite with Accessories and Case

Troughton & Simms theodolite horizontal full circle with magnifiers, telescope with bubble levels, makers name on compass card and tripod, the mahogany case with leather belt straps containing a bolt & Sutherland surveyors steel band on brass spool serial…

A good Victorian cased brass theodolite by Troughton & Simms of…

Victorian Brass Theodolite by Troughton & Simms, 1867

A good Victorian cased brass theodolite by Troughton & Simms of London, with telescopic site fitting to the top above the named compass dial framed by two levels and silvered scale. The original brass fitted mahogany case labeled 'made May 1867'

A 19th century brass theodolite by Watkins & hill, with…

Antique Brass Theodolite with Mahogany Tripod Legs

A 19th century brass theodolite by Watkins & hill, with silvered scales, maker's details on compass table, with original mahogany tripod legs. Height 152 cm

Rare American D.W Bruntons, Ainsworth pocket Transit compass,…

Rare Ainsworth Pocket Transit Compass with Leather Case

Rare American D.W Bruntons, Ainsworth pocket Transit compass, made for surveying on or under the ground, incised D. W. Brunton's Pat. Sept. 18, 1894 Apr. 14, 1914 Wm. Ainsworth & Sons Sole Manufacturers Pat. Oct. 2 12. May 27. 13. Denver, Colo. U. S. A.,…

A surveyors compass in leather carry case N.H Seward Pty Ltd…

Surveyor's Compass with Leather Case, 11.5 cm Diameter

A surveyors compass in leather carry case N.H Seward Pty Ltd Melbourne 11.5 cm diameter

An English Altitude Theodolite, William Wilton, Cornwall, circa…

English Altitude Theodolite by William Wilton (1830)

An English Altitude Theodolite, William Wilton, Cornwall, circa 1830, circular plate with extended arms to carry open sights, in the centre is a silvered compass, underneath a glazed case, flanked by two spirit levels and a scale divided into quadrants of…

A vintage Stanley brass miners or Clinometer compass. in solid…

Vintage Stanley Brass Clinometer Compass

A vintage Stanley brass miners or Clinometer compass. in solid brass with a mirror, spirit level and slit sighting mirror. Diameter 8 cm

B J Hall, London, extra portable theodolite no. 202 1918 on…

Portable Theodolite with Compass Plate, 1918

B J Hall, London, extra portable theodolite no. 202 1918 on compass plate, brass and japanned

Stanley, London dumpy level on compass base no. 7758 all brass…

London Dumpy Level with Compass Base (Damaged Glass)

Stanley, London dumpy level on compass base no. 7758 all brass (compass glass damaged)

A fine brass Victorian surveyors theodolite with silvered…

Victorian Surveyor's Theodolite in Glass Case

A fine brass Victorian surveyors theodolite with silvered compass and a vernier scale by Troughton & Sims in a glass and oak framed case. Height 40 cm. Length 37 cm

A late 19th century gilt brass English mining dial with…

Antique English Mining Dial with Compass and Stand

A late 19th century gilt brass English mining dial with telescopic level and compass by Throughton & Sims, London mounted on a swivel base with turned oak stand. Length 34 cm

Antique theodolite stand with compass and early book

Antique Theodolite Stand with Compass and Book

Antique theodolite stand with compass and early book