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 portable brass compass and sundial, by J.H. Steward, Strand…

Portable Brass Compass and Sundial in Leather Box, London

A portable brass compass and sundial, by J.H. Steward, Strand London, housed in a leather box, 12 cm diameter

A carved Continental wood pocket sundial and compass, dated…

1764 Continental Wood Pocket Sundial and Compass

A carved Continental wood pocket sundial and compass, dated 1764, with precision carved numbers and a small stringline, dated to the lid interior, 1.5 cm high, 6.5 cm wide, 4.5 cm deep

D. W. Brunton's 1894 patent pocket Transit compass, by Wm…

1894 Brunton Pocket Transit Compass by Ainsworth & Sons

D. W. Brunton's 1894 patent pocket Transit compass, by Wm Ainsworth & Sons, Denver, Colorado, octagonal metal case, (mirror cracked)

An early 18th century German equinoctial pocket sundial and…

Antique German Pocket Sundial and Compass

An early 18th century German equinoctial pocket sundial and compass by Ludwig Theodor, circa 1725, 6 cm wide

An antique pocket compass in original leather pouch, 19th…

19th Century Pocket Compass in Leather Pouch

An antique pocket compass in original leather pouch, 19th century, 8 cm diameter

An uncommon late 19th century lacquered brass portable sundial…

Brass Portable Sundial with Compass and Mahogany Box

An uncommon late 19th century lacquered brass portable sundial by T & H doublet, with compass plateau supported on levelling screws and pivoting chapter ring with silvered face engraved with the instrument maker's details. In mahogany box (distressed) 16…

Vintage bronzed pocket compass with silverised dial, 7 cm diam.

Bronzed Pocket Compass with Silverised Dial

Vintage bronzed pocket compass with silverised dial, 7 cm diam.

An antique Swiss pocket or travelling Compensated barometer,…

Antique Swiss Compensated Barometer in Traveling Case

An antique Swiss pocket or travelling Compensated barometer, late 19th century, with maker's mark for W.Ecker, Lucerne, in a leather bound and silk lined travelling case and comprising a barometer compass and mercury thermometer, length 8.5 cm

American Usanite pocket compass, c.1918, of bun form, opening…

1918 American Usanite Pocket Compass

American Usanite pocket compass, c.1918, of bun form, opening to reveal compass, ipressed Eng Dept U.S.A 1918, diameter 5 cm

German 19th century pocket compass lithographed decoration on…

Lithographed Pocket Compass with 19th Century German Design

German 19th century pocket compass lithographed decoration on wood

A Watkins & Hill Charing cross pocket compass 19th century,…

19th Century Watkins & Hill Pocket Compass with Leather Case

A Watkins & Hill Charing cross pocket compass 19th century, London. The compass has a white enamel dial inside a fitted leather case

A small Victorian pocket barometer, circa 1889, in gilded brass…

Victorian Pocket Barometer with Compass and Box

A small Victorian pocket barometer, circa 1889, in gilded brass having a cream metal dial and a compass to the reverse, and inscribed Dr J F Ruddall 24.23.89; encased in an emerald silk and velvet lined leather box. Height 3 cm. Diameter 6 cm

An old brass cased pocket compass, T. Peacock & Son, Auckland,…

Antique Brass Pocket Compass with Leather Case

An old brass cased pocket compass, T. Peacock & Son, Auckland, N.Z. Diameter 9 cm. In original leather case