by antiquer | July 15th, 2011
Go for the Brass With Antique Compasses
When Christopher Columbus left Spain, his goal was to sail across the vast Atlantic to reach what he thought would be Asia. As we all know, he bumped into America instead. It’s surmised he did indeed use a compass, along with a sundial compass and an early device similar to a sextant, but because his compass pointed to magnetic north, not true north, and he used the “sextant” only to measure the angle to an object with little attention paid to the horizon, it’s amazing he ran into anything at all.
Antique Compass
There are two basic types of compasses: the magnetic compass, which points to magnetic north and south, and the gyro compass, with a spinning wheel/needle that rotates according to the earth’s rotation, directing us to true north and south. When collecting compasses, know which is which and enjoy them for their past usefulness as well as how they’re used today.
Antique compasses always have a story. While most are reproductions representing the types of compasses used in the mid-1700s or earlier, these replicas make great collector items and nautical gifts for the seafaring enthusiast. They come in a variety of models and sizes, but most prized are those made of solid brass. While small solid brass compasses are rare, you’ll find some good ones made in India and China. They’re usually made of a heavier gauge stock and are highly polished. Pocket watch compasses are nice collectibles and can be used anywhere. There are desk compasses, with working needles, and these, too, make for great gifts.
Old Compass
From sundial compasses with nautical working features to compasses used for surveying and engineering purposes, you’ll find a wide selection of solid brass antique reproductions. You’ll also find vintage compasses in notable antique shops and online galleries specializing in maritime instruments. Many of these compasses haven’t been restored and can be purchased “as is,” in all their wear and tear glory. And some have been painted, but you’ll usually discover solid brass under the old paint. Look for compasses that are still in working order, and check that that you can calibrate them, needles are in working order, etc.
Antique Compasses Collection
Compasses range in size from two-inch models in cases or placed inside high-end wooden boxes, to full size floor models, called binnacles. There are some wonderful, although somewhat difficult finds, of compasses used during WWII—used on lifeboats and warships, originals going as far back as the mid-1800s. Most of these aren’t solid brass, but instead constructed of copper. Because of their historical significance and authenticity, these originals can be pricey, but well worth it from a collectors’ vantage.
I Give You My Star Rating! I’m just underway with finding some nice compasses and like searching in shops for them. I think I’ve found that brass is harder to find at a decent price, but I also see they can sell for much more if I look in the right place. Some people pay alot. Thanks.
Thanks Tom,
We think the compass is a key part of any maritime collection and we like the brass compass the very best, but we collect others. The date, condition and history are the main items to be concerned with while building your compass collection. It might be just for show, which can be beautiful, but if you develop a real collection of even just compasses, you’d be surprised at how valuable these items can become.
Mary