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...

91 items found:

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

A vintage hand-held maritime compass in original case, stamped…

Vintage Hand-Held Maritime Compass in Original Sirius Case

A vintage hand-held maritime compass in original case, stamped 'Trade mark Sirius, E. Esdaile Sydney No.1056', in original timber case, the box 33 cm long

A surveyor's antique hand-held compass in original timber case,…

19th Century Surveyor's Hand-held Compass in Timber Case

A surveyor's antique hand-held compass in original timber case, 19th century, the case 15 cm wide

A double telescope theodolite by Adams of London, with central…

Adams London Double Telescope Theodolite with Central Compass and Levels

A double telescope theodolite by Adams of London, with central compass and two spirit levels, horizontal and vertical scales, an additional spirit level to the top telescope, the top turns to adjust scale by way of the attached brass screw. Tripod absent…

Vintage nautical brass Sestral ship's compass the oil burner…

Vintage Nautical Brass Sestral Ship's Compass - Worn Condition

Vintage nautical brass Sestral ship's compass the oil burner for lighting the compass to the side, worn condition, height 23 cm

Antique brass ship's binnacle no compass or other instruments…

Antique Brass Ship's Binnacle - 64 cm wide, 115 cm high

Antique brass ship's binnacle no compass or other instruments inside, 64 cm wide, 43 cm deep, 115 cm high

Patt.160100 parallel rolling rule, brass instrument in fitted…

Brass Instrument with Rolling Rule in Fitted Timber Case

Patt.160100 parallel rolling rule, brass instrument in fitted timber case with brass dividers & a compass, case 48 x 12 x 5 cm

A binnacle compass with side lamp, worn, height 21 cm

Worn Binnacle Compass with Side Lamp, 21 cm Height

A binnacle compass with side lamp, worn, height 21 cm

A Hezzanith standard binnacle with compass, Ontario Hughes…

Hezzanith Standard Binnacle with Compass, Ontario Hughes Owens Co Ltd

A Hezzanith standard binnacle with compass, Ontario Hughes Owens Co Ltd, Canada, Patt 0195A, wood with brass fittings, cast iron correcting spheres in red and green, height 135 cm

A ship's compass, in fitted painted timber box, 27 x 27 x 16 cm

Antique Ship's Compass in Painted Timber Box

A ship's compass, in fitted painted timber box, 27 x 27 x 16 cm

A ship's binnacle compass, octagonal teak case on square plinth…

Octagonal Teak Binnacle Compass with Brass Dome and Red/Green Balls

A ship's binnacle compass, octagonal teak case on square plinth base, with brass glazed dome and fittings, flanked by red and green painted steel balls, the Hartmann, Hamburg compass with Lilley & Reynolds, London card, height 150 cm.

Astro compass Mk.II housed in original, 20th century, 27 cm wide

20th Century Astro Compass Mk.II in Original 27cm Housing

Astro compass Mk.II housed in original, 20th century, 27 cm wide

Vintage D.W. Bruntons USA metal cased compass marked to lid,…

Vintage D.W. Bruntons USA Metal Cased Compass, 7 cm Diameter

Vintage D.W. Bruntons USA metal cased compass marked to lid, diameter 7 cm.

9ct rose gold novelty fob compass marked Birmingham 9 375 marks,…

9ct Rose Gold Fob Compass with Missing Back Plate

9ct rose gold novelty fob compass marked Birmingham 9 375 marks, weight 7 grams, missing the back plate, chip to the glass

A ship's wheel and wet compass mounted on later timber stand,…

20th Century Ship's Wheel and Compass on Timber Stand

A ship's wheel and wet compass mounted on later timber stand, 20th century, the wheel 92 cm wide, 143 cm high overall

E. Esdaile & Sons, Sydney, N.S.W. A 'Sirius' trademark marine…

Antique Marine Compass in Original Box

E. Esdaile & Sons, Sydney, N.S.W. A 'Sirius' trademark marine compass with fluid filled brass bowl and fitted gimbal ring, housed in original lidded hardwood box, circa 1910. The box 11 cm high, 21 cm wide, 17 cm deep

Georgian navigation Necessaire and etui, in tortoiseshell, set…

Georgian Tortoiseshell Navigation Set with Silver Plaque

Georgian navigation Necessaire and etui, in tortoiseshell, set with dividers, compass and ivory ruler signed by Schmalcalder, the strand London, the top set with silver plaque and initials, height 13.2 cm

A collection of five Scientific instruments, a boxed aneroid…

Scientific Instruments Collection in Original Boxes

A collection of five Scientific instruments, a boxed aneroid barometer, an Alidade level, box sextant, Esdaile compass and a pair of draughtman's dividers. All in the original boxes or hard leather case. (5)

A nickel cased barometer/thermometer, together with a boxed…

Nickel Barometer, Thermometer & Compass Set, 1900

A nickel cased barometer/thermometer, together with a boxed compass, circa 1900, 100 cm diameter and smaller. Provenance: Property from the collection of George Gyori, Melbourne

Early 17th century ivory and brass sundial compass by Paulus…

1600 Ivory and Brass Sundial Compass by Paulus Reinman

Early 17th century ivory and brass sundial compass by Paulus Reinman, Nuremberg, dated 1600, diptych, of rectangular form with a hinged cover, with various incised and inked dials and depictions of the star signs, with brass hinges, latches and stars set…

French silver pocket sun dial, by Baradelle, Paris, France, c.…

French Silver Pocket Sun Dial with Compass and Gnomon

French silver pocket sun dial, by Baradelle, Paris, France, c. 1701-1750, of octagonal shape, inset with compass, engraved with hour scales for latitudes 43° to 52°, folding bird gnomon, the reverse engraved with the latitudes of French and other…

Vintage English Sestrel maritime gimbal compass in brass case,…

Vintage English Sestrel Maritime Gimbal Compass in Brass Case

Vintage English Sestrel maritime gimbal compass in brass case, height 25 cm

Four vintage miscellaneous collectable pieces including: cased…

Vintage Collectables Set

Four vintage miscellaneous collectable pieces including: cased pair rolled gold spectacle frames; an antler horn handle pocket knife; brass cased compass; and a brass feather form letter opener.

Travelling clock & compass

Wanderer's Timekeeper

Travelling clock & compass

Two vintage brass cased prismatic compasses, including: leather…

Vintage Brass Prismatic Compass Set

Two vintage brass cased prismatic compasses, including: leather cased brass compass, marked for Alfred Gillott, and a leather cased brass compass, marked Verner's pattern, diameter 5 cm each.

A vintage ship's binnacle with compass,19th century, 57 cm high,…

19th Century Ship's Binnacle with Compass

A vintage ship's binnacle with compass,19th century, 57 cm high, 71 cm wide, 40 cm deep

Ansonia: two rare brass cased pocket sundials with wax card…

Pair of Rare Brass Pocket Sundials with Compass and Calendar

Ansonia: two rare brass cased pocket sundials with wax card compass and perpetual calendar printed to the case lid, early 20th century, one with leather carrying case. (2 items). The leather case 10 cm long.

An antique pocket compass by J. Wardale & Co. In original case,…

19th Century Wardale Pocket Compass in Original Case

An antique pocket compass by J. Wardale & Co. In original case, 19th century.

An antique Austrian brass sighting compass in wooden travelling…

Antique Austrian Brass Sighting Compass in Wooden Box

An antique Austrian brass sighting compass in wooden travelling box, 19th century, engraved 'E. Krafp & Sohne, in Wein, no. 318', the dial 10 cm diameter

Dollond of London travelling sighting compass mounted in…

Dollond of London Sighting Compass in Mahogany Case

Dollond of London travelling sighting compass mounted in original mahogany case, early 19th century, the silvered dial 13 cm diameter

Barker & Son mark IX prismatic compass with mother of pearl…

Barker & Son Prismatic Compass with Leather Case

Barker & Son mark IX prismatic compass with mother of pearl dial and leather case

D. W. Bruntons 1894 patent pocket Transit compass by Wm…

Bruntons Pocket Transit Compass (1894)

D. W. Bruntons 1894 patent pocket Transit compass by Wm Ainsworth & Sons, Denver, Colorado, USA.

Ships compass by Saura Keiki Seisakusho Co Ltd Tokyo Japan 15.5…

Saura Keiki Seisakusho Co Ltd Ship Compass

Ships compass by Saura Keiki Seisakusho Co Ltd Tokyo Japan 15.5 cm dia

Cwwi Japanned prismatic compass by E. R. Watts & Son Ltd,…

E.R. Watts & Son Ltd Japanned Prismatic Compass + Case

Cwwi Japanned prismatic compass by E. R. Watts & Son Ltd, London, with leather carrying case

A gold plated compass pendant, together on gold plated chain,…

Golden Compass Jewelry Set

A gold plated compass pendant, together on gold plated chain, single earrings and pendant.

Mariners compass circa 1860 dry card compass in a copper bowl…

1860 Mariners Compass in Gimbals and Timber Box

Mariners compass circa 1860 dry card compass in a copper bowl mounted in Gimbals in a timber box Fleur de Lys on the north point boxed, height 11 cm, length 16 cm, depth 16 cm

'Sestrel' maritime compass in wood case, missing lid, etc.,…

Wooden case maritime compass, 9cm diameter

'Sestrel' maritime compass in wood case, missing lid, etc., diameter 9 cm compass.

A 4-inch brass cased sighting compass, with card marked Stanley…

Brass Sighting Compass from Stanley, London

A 4-inch brass cased sighting compass, with card marked Stanley Gt. Turnstile, Holborn, London.

An exceptionally rare and important Bagnold sun compass,…

Rare Bagnold Sun Compass used by LRDG in WWII

An exceptionally rare and important Bagnold sun compass, Instrumental in giving what has become one of Britain's most famous special forces. The Long Range Desert Group, an unrivalled edge in the North African desert during World War II it is believed…

Antique brass theodolite, brass mounted swivel base with…

Antique Brass Theodolite with Swivel Base and Compass

Antique brass theodolite, brass mounted swivel base with central mounted compass

A good ship's binnacle compass, octagonal teak case on square…

Octagonal Teak Binnacle Compass by Hartmann, Hamburg

A good ship's binnacle compass, octagonal teak case on square plinth base, with brass glazed dome and fittings, flanked by red and green painted steel balls, the Hartmann, Hamburg compass with Lilley & Reynolds, London card. H.150 cm.

A lacquered brass 3 inch pocket compass, the card marked…

Antique Brass Pocket Compass by Spencer Browning & Co

A lacquered brass 3 inch pocket compass, the card marked 'Spencer, Browning & Co, Minories, London' (1840-70), with press fit cover. Provenance: The H.N.E Sheppard Estate Collection.

A Kelvin & James White Ltd 8 inch compass card, with testing…

1912 Kelvin & James White Ltd Compass with Testing Certificate

A Kelvin & James White Ltd 8 inch compass card, with testing certificate from the Magnetic Observatory, Glasgow, dated 1912, uninstalled, in transit box with glazed cover replacing the lid. Provenance: The H.N.E Sheppard Estate Collection.

Brass ships compass Convert to clock with enamel, diameter 30…

Brass compass clock, 30cm diameter, untested

Brass ships compass Convert to clock with enamel, diameter 30 cm, untested

Gilbert & Sons London, brass sundial compass in timber case,…

Brass Sundial Compass in Timber Case, 20th Century

Gilbert & Sons London, brass sundial compass in timber case, 20th century, 19 cm diameter

A ship's binnacle compass in original box by Baker Lyman & Co,…

Baker Lyman & Co Binnacle Compass in Original Box

A ship's binnacle compass in original box by Baker Lyman & Co, 30 cm diameter

Vintage ships binnacle compass 25 cm high

Vintage Binnacle Compass - 25cm Height

Vintage ships binnacle compass 25 cm high

Wood cased Stanley London brass compass

Brass compass by Stanley London

Wood cased Stanley London brass compass

A naval brass folding pocket compass, the hinged lid with…

Naval Brass Folding Pocket Compass with Natural Sine Scale

A naval brass folding pocket compass, the hinged lid with 'Natural Sine' scale, working.

A c.1900 Negretti & Lambra compensated pocket barometer/compass,…

Negretti & Lambra Pocket Barometer/Compass

A c.1900 Negretti & Lambra compensated pocket barometer/compass, the dark red Morocco leather fitted case enclosing the circular brass framed instrument, the case back fitted with a visible compass. Case, diameter 5.8 cm.

Two various vintage compasses including brass cased, marked for…

Vintage Compass Set in Leather Cases

Two various vintage compasses including brass cased, marked for Short and Mason, in leather carry case; and another compass, unmarked, in leather carry case.

A brass cased sighting compass, with green card scale, the…

Brass Sighting Compass with Sun Filters

A brass cased sighting compass, with green card scale, the sight with coloured glass sun filters, diameter 10 cm.

T.F Wiesener, Sydney Transit compass, with green circular dial,…

Sydney Transit Compass with Leather Case

T.F Wiesener, Sydney Transit compass, with green circular dial, gunmetal surrounds, circular cover and leather travel case,

A copper cased ships compass by John E. Hand & Sons 58 cm high,…

Copper Ship Compass by John E. Hand & Sons

A copper cased ships compass by John E. Hand & Sons 58 cm high, 210 cm diameter

Brass and timber ships binnacle, of cylindrical form set with…

Brass and timber ships binnacle with compass and clinometer

Brass and timber ships binnacle, of cylindrical form set with small door, with brass housing enclosing the binnacle compass inscribed 'Iver C. Weilbach & Co. Copenhagen,' with clinometer, flanked by red and green iron navigator balls, height 116 cm

A copper ships compass by Johan Gulbransen, Oslo

Johan Gulbransen's Copper Ships Compass from Oslo

A copper ships compass by Johan Gulbransen, Oslo

Ship's binnacle brass compass, 16 cm diameter

Binnacle Brass Compass - 16cm Diameter

Ship's binnacle brass compass, 16 cm diameter

A Spanish brass framed ships compass in original walnut box,…

Spanish Brass Ship Compass in Walnut Box, 20th Century

A Spanish brass framed ships compass in original walnut box, early 20th century. 20 cm high, 31 cm wide

Heath & Co English mahogany and brass ships binnacle, London,…

English Mahogany Ships Binnacle with Compass

Heath & Co English mahogany and brass ships binnacle, London, Patrol Type No. 875, with compass, the whole in weathered condition, 138 cm high

Case vintage 'Sestrel' marine hand bearing compass, marked for…

Vintage Sestrel Hand Bearing Compass by Henry Browne & Son

Case vintage 'Sestrel' marine hand bearing compass, marked for Henry Browne & Son Ltd, Barking and London. Untested, but appears operational, height 31 cm (case).

An old silver-plated ship's binnacle compass, by Saur, Japan,…

Saur Ship's Binnacle Compass

An old silver-plated ship's binnacle compass, by Saur, Japan, with fixed handle. Height 27 cm

9ct gold, Masonic swivel compass, (needs repair), weight approx…

Damaged 9ct Gold Masonic Swivel Compass - 6g

9ct gold, Masonic swivel compass, (needs repair), weight approx 6 grams

A Victorian brass sextant, various lenses and filters, the…

Victorian Brass Sextant with Mahogany Case

A Victorian brass sextant, various lenses and filters, the mahogany case with label to interior for John Bruce of Liverpool 'Compass Adjuster'.

US Navy bearing circle compass, 27 cm Dia

US Navy 27cm Bearing Circle Compass

US Navy bearing circle compass, 27 cm Dia

A Chinese wooden compass, 20th century, 12.5c m diameter

Chinese Wooden Compass, 20th Century

A Chinese wooden compass, 20th century, 12.5c m diameter

A ships binnacle, compass cover - (lacking compass) brass and…

Brass and Copper Binnacle Compass Cover (No Compass)

A ships binnacle, compass cover - (lacking compass) brass and copper construction height 117 cm

Vintage French ships compass binnacle, painted white, 140 cm…

French Vintage Ship Compass Binnacle, 140cm High

Vintage French ships compass binnacle, painted white, 140 cm high

An E.R. Watts & Son of London brass compass

London Brass Compass by E.R. Watts & Son

An E.R. Watts & Son of London brass compass

Antique compass in timber box, 17.5 cm x 17.5 cm approx

Antique Compass in Timber Box

Antique compass in timber box, 17.5 cm x 17.5 cm approx

Saura Keiki Seisakuri Co Ltd, Japanese ships compass

Japanese Ship Compass by Saura Keiki Seisakuri Co Ltd

Saura Keiki Seisakuri Co Ltd, Japanese ships compass

Late 19th century American ship's compass by Ritchie of Boston,…

Ritchie's 19th Century American Ship Compass

Late 19th century American ship's compass by Ritchie of Boston, Mass. (with information)

A ships compass (Type P4) in timber case with Admiralty Compass…

1930 Ship Compass with Admiralty Observatory Stamp

A ships compass (Type P4) in timber case with Admiralty Compass Observatory Examination stamp, 20th February 1930. 18.5 cm diameter.

An early marine ships compass, by Henry Browne & Son, Barking,…

Antique Marine Compass by Henry Browne & Son

An early marine ships compass, by Henry Browne & Son, Barking, London, with 'Sestral' Trademark marked on dial brass and metal mounts; working condition. It is believed that this item was part of a salvage contract conducted by JACK SUE WA SKINDIVERS in…

Jack Sue's standby compass. One of the standby compass types as…

Z Special Unit's Standby Compass

Jack Sue's standby compass. One of the standby compass types as used by members of Z special Unit during Operation Agas behind Japanese lines in the then British north Borneo in 1945. This compass was used in conjunction with the personal field compass.…

Antique 19th century pocket compass, approx 7 cm square

19th Century Pocket Compass - Antique Square Design

Antique 19th century pocket compass, approx 7 cm square

Compass in leather case

Leather Case Compass

Compass in leather case

Captain Cabin map reader compass with magnifying glass

Navigational Tools for Captains

Captain Cabin map reader compass with magnifying glass

Two brass compass

Brass Compass Duo

Two brass compass

S Thaxter & Son, Bostan, Titanic compass

S. Thaxter & Son's Titanic Compass Found in Boston

S Thaxter & Son, Bostan, Titanic compass

George Wilson London, brass cased gimble compass and side light,…

George Wilson Gimble Compass with Side Light

George Wilson London, brass cased gimble compass and side light, approx 24 cm high, 21 cm long

Maritime binnacle with compass, by Wagner Auto Pilot, Canada,…

Wagner Auto Pilot Maritime Binnacle with Compass

Maritime binnacle with compass, by Wagner Auto Pilot, Canada, 24 cm high approx

A cased ship's compass tyreno 0213

Cased Ship's Compass - Tyreno 0213

A cased ship's compass tyreno 0213

A vintage brass ship's binnacle with an internal gimbal mounted…

Vintage Brass Ship's Binnacle with Gimbal Compass and Light

A vintage brass ship's binnacle with an internal gimbal mounted compass and small electrical side light. No.11085K. Height 25 cm. Depth 25 cm

Stanley prismatic compass all brass with steel dial (glass…

Brass Stanley Prismatic Compass with Damaged Glass Dial

Stanley prismatic compass all brass with steel dial (glass damaged)

A brass cased marching compass, 19th century, with pivoted card…

19th Century Brass Marching Compass

A brass cased marching compass, 19th century, with pivoted card scale printed with mirrored numerals, the press cover designed to fit to the base. Diameter 10 cm

A ship's hand-held sighting compass in wooden case marked 'Type…

Type 06 Hand-Held Sighting Compass in Wooden Case

A ship's hand-held sighting compass in wooden case marked 'Type 06', 22 cm high

Steinhoft German ships compass with instruments, in an oak case,…

Steinhoft German Ship Compass with Instruments and Oak Case

Steinhoft German ships compass with instruments, in an oak case, plaque engraved 'Presented to E.J. Smith Captain of RMS Celtic, January 31st 1890'. Dimensions 27 x 27 x 18.5 cm

A vintage English oak sailing Ship wheel stand tapering…

English Oak Ship Wheel Stand with Brass Fittings

A vintage English oak sailing Ship wheel stand tapering cylinder shaped with brass topped compass binnacle fitting and various brass plaques and signs of nautical theme. Height 13 cm

A vintage free standing brass binnacle compass with pedestal…

Vintage Brass Binnacle Compass with Pedestal Base

A vintage free standing brass binnacle compass with pedestal column base containing a more recent compass. Height 115 cm

Antique brass Nautical sundial & navigational compass.

Brass Nautical Sundial & Compass

Antique brass Nautical sundial & navigational compass.

A Stanley of London brass compass

London Brass Compass by Stanley

A Stanley of London brass compass

Deck compass in binnacle, with oil lamp side illuminator.…

Binnacle Compass with Side Lamp

Deck compass in binnacle, with oil lamp side illuminator. Height 23 cm