Description

A good Georgian era miner’s compass in folding mahogany case to be carried in the pocket. Engine divided, raised and silvered outer ring in hour, half hour and 15 minute increments. Inner circle is silvered and divided into 8 cardinal points (English) with a finely chiselled compass needle (still points North) rotating on a chiselled brass pivot point. The glass is original and shows fine scratches at the pivot point because the needle does not lock. The glass is held in place by a turned brass retaining ring. Measuring a little over 3 inches in diameter (8 cm.), it is in fine condition with no oxidation of the silver. The mahogany case with pinned square hinges and eared hooks (one replacement) is also in fine condition and measures 13.5 x 10 x 2.5 cm. ( 11.5 inches open). Unsigned.

European compasses adopted this 32 hour ( 11.25 degree) method of navigation and cardinal point determination which was later changed to 24 hours (15 degrees and 24, 16, 12 and 8 cardinal points for ease of layout and quick bearing without conversion). English compasses are typically divided this way making this English compass an oddity. I have another miner’s compass on the website but it is European (24 hour).