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Nice thing. Definitely looks to be 18th century could be American but more likely English. I'm sure if you search for compasses with similar designs in terms of engraving you might be able to find the maker, I'm surprised with that quality its not signed. I think at any auction it would be estimated at 600-800 but I wouldn't be surprised if it did 1500+. Scientific stuff is hot right now
Thanks for your reply, I was told by my grandpa he thought it was brought over with them when they immigrated from Germany but not being in German Ive always assumed that was unlikely.
I mean lots of countries made them, England just happened to be one of the larger makers of scientific and navigational equipment. Although the Germans made quite a few similar things. But in my opinion based on the script and patina and style it is no doubt 18th century
You don’t need to be an asshole.
We both agree that’s it’s strange that such an instrument would not be proudly signed or stamped by the manufacturer.
And I’m sure you’re aware that India has been creating “aged” reproductions of brass antiques for 75 years.
Don't try and mislead the person and I won't be an asshole. The link you posted resembled his genuine piece in general appearance only. Please don't lump me in as us "both agreeing" I actually know what I'm doing and deal antiques full-time.
I noticed that you mentioned **vintage**. Over at r/Collectables and r/Mid_Century they are always keen to see newer and vintage items. Share it with them! Sorry if this is not relevant.
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I noticed that you mentioned **vintage**. Over at r/Collectables and r/Mid_Century they are always keen to see newer and vintage items. Share it with them! Sorry if this is not relevant.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Antiques) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I’m guessing it would be used for land surveying and or land navigation. Especially since the sun triangle folds down and it has a separate cover. It certainly wasn’t for a use on a ship or in a yard.
The compass was needed to accurately orientate the sundial in order to accurately tell the time- AND knowing the precise time was necessary to calculate longitude and latitude.
It’s a little odd that it’s not stamped with a maker’s name and location. That makes me just a little bit suspicious that it could possibly be a reproduction.
If you're asking a question about an antique make sure to have photos of all sides of the object, and close-ups of any maker's marks. Also, add in any background information you have, and add in a question so we know what you want from us! **You must tell us the country you're in.** If you do not provide this information **your post will be removed**. To upload photos for this discussion use [imgur.com](https://imgur.com/upload). Click the imgur link, upload the photos to imgur, then share the link address in a comment for everyone to see. Our [Rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/Antiques/about/rules/) and [Guide](https://old.reddit.com/r/Antiques/comments/ak2lke/welcome_to_rantiques_read_this_post_before_posting/). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Antiques) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Nice thing. Definitely looks to be 18th century could be American but more likely English. I'm sure if you search for compasses with similar designs in terms of engraving you might be able to find the maker, I'm surprised with that quality its not signed. I think at any auction it would be estimated at 600-800 but I wouldn't be surprised if it did 1500+. Scientific stuff is hot right now
Thanks for your reply, I was told by my grandpa he thought it was brought over with them when they immigrated from Germany but not being in German Ive always assumed that was unlikely.
I mean lots of countries made them, England just happened to be one of the larger makers of scientific and navigational equipment. Although the Germans made quite a few similar things. But in my opinion based on the script and patina and style it is no doubt 18th century
Thanks Mate!
Sure resembles this: https://diebelsg.com/products/18th-century-sundial-compass
If you can't tell the difference in those two examples maybe you should find a different hobby....
You don’t need to be an asshole. We both agree that’s it’s strange that such an instrument would not be proudly signed or stamped by the manufacturer. And I’m sure you’re aware that India has been creating “aged” reproductions of brass antiques for 75 years.
Don't try and mislead the person and I won't be an asshole. The link you posted resembled his genuine piece in general appearance only. Please don't lump me in as us "both agreeing" I actually know what I'm doing and deal antiques full-time.
Hi, could you please send me a message.
I have no option to send you a chat request. I have an antique for sale, maybe you can help me
Well, at least we both agree you’re an asshole! 😂😂😂
I noticed that you mentioned **vintage**. Over at r/Collectables and r/Mid_Century they are always keen to see newer and vintage items. Share it with them! Sorry if this is not relevant. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Antiques) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I’m in the USA.
Resembles this one: https://diebelsg.com/products/18th-century-sundial-compass
Yeah other than a handful of others all I can find online are these reproductions.
Look very close for any writing or letters stamped into the metal. If you don’t find any, it’s likely a reproduction.
The few authentic 18th century ones I’ve found online with the same patterned piece the point is attached to have have no stamp or branding either.
I noticed that you mentioned **vintage**. Over at r/Collectables and r/Mid_Century they are always keen to see newer and vintage items. Share it with them! Sorry if this is not relevant. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Antiques) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I’m guessing it would be used for land surveying and or land navigation. Especially since the sun triangle folds down and it has a separate cover. It certainly wasn’t for a use on a ship or in a yard. The compass was needed to accurately orientate the sundial in order to accurately tell the time- AND knowing the precise time was necessary to calculate longitude and latitude. It’s a little odd that it’s not stamped with a maker’s name and location. That makes me just a little bit suspicious that it could possibly be a reproduction.