Scientific, Instrument, Compass, Travel, Directional, Red Lacquer Wood Case, c. 1900

Travel Compass
c. 1900
Reddish-lacquer wood case
2.375 x 2.375 x .375 inches
$475

A traveling directional compass, set into a solid wooden case with reddish lacquer finish. The lid opens by two hinges to reveal the inset compass secured by an aluminum outer rim. The compass has a blue magnetized needle over apaper dial comprised of a central handsome compass rose with directional points brightly colored in red, green and yellow, within a concentric medial pink band with cardinal directions in English, and an outer concentric yellow band numbered in degrees. It closes with a hand-made metal hasp and brass nail head. It could have served multiple uses including travel, navigation, and plotting on a map or chart. The directional band in English suggests that the compass is American or English, though it also might have been Continental and made for export to those markets.

Condition: Generally very good with the usual overall light handling and wear commensurate with normal use over time.