Antique Brass ship's compass

[ethanfez]

Picked this up for a few dollars (I think maybe $10). The glass was completely clouded when I bought it but I took it apart and it cleaned up nice. I plan on polishing the brass to a shine and re painting the dial if i can. Also need to get a new rubber seal for the inside. This is something to be added to my personal collection.
It is a J J McNeil with serial number (or model number) 6115. Also is stamped Portland ME. Still points to true north!

 

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[CladSpends2]

I would not re-paint the dial before I did some research to see how that would affect the value, due to loss of originality. Re-dialing a watch totally kills the collector value, not sure on these, even though you want it for your own, I wouldn't want to cheapen it. Nice find! T.

 

[ethanfez]

I would not re-paint the dial before I did some research to see how that would affect the value, due to loss of originality. Re-dialing a watch totally kills the collector value, not sure on these, even though you want it for your own, I wouldn't want to cheapen it. Nice find! T.

I wouldn't care if it cheapens the value. I'm putting this in my personal collection so it will be my kids problem when I die 60+ years from now. Also going to be making a nice display box for it.

 

[diggummup]

Don't think it would affect the value anyway on this piece. Nice piece of maritime nostalgia.

 

[ARC]

have the exact same one.

Picked at a flea for 10 also.

 

[vpnavy]

Great buy EthanFez. You got to post it all cleaned up.

 

[No gold in NY]

That is a beautiful piece. I am sure there is a company out there that could reproduce the dial for you.

 

[JimDon]

Can’t wait to see it restored.

 

[tamrock]

I'm wondering where you could find someone to restore the dial? Most watch dials are re-done with a silk screen. I'm thinking this one would need to be done all by hand, by someone with great skill. Yes, I think putting the time and effort into restoring it to it's former glory would be a good thing, but expensive I'm thinking in order to get it done right. Good luck with it. Shining up the brass is something you could do.

 

[ethanfez]

I'm wondering where you could find someone to restore the dial? Most watch dials are re-done with a silk screen. I'm thinking this one would need to be done all by hand, by someone with great skill. Yes, I think putting the time and effort into restoring it to it's former glory would be a good thing, but expensive I'm thinking in order to get it done right. Good luck with it. Shining up the brass is something you could do.

I should be able to do it all myself. I have a pretty steady hand and some experience painting small things. This is like 2.5 inches across so it should be no problem. I have my brass polisher on the way and will be re-painting it over spring break most likely. I also have found the right size rubber seal for the inside already surprisingly. I'll make sure to do as you all say and post pictures of it fixed up!

 

[SnakemanBill]

LOL! 60+ years from now? Do you know something the rest of us don't?

 

[ethanfez]

LOL! 60+ years from now? Do you know something the rest of us don't?

Well I'm 20 and the average lifespan right now in the US for men is like 82 so that's 60+ more years.

 

[Brendan75]

Hi wow that is a beautiful piece for a display

 

[ToddsPoint]

Maybe I'm wrong, but I think it should point to magnetic north, not true north. Gary

 

[captain flintlock]

Beautiful piece!! I say restore it to how you want it because it’s part of your personal collection. But if it were me, I would just clean it and maybe polish the brass and leave the rest alone. But that’s just me. A fantastic find! ☠️

 

[ethanfez]

Started a bit of the cleaning today. It is some thick grime on it so it takes a good bit of work. Already like what I am seeing underneath though!

 

[captain flintlock]

Freaking gorgeous!! Can’t wait to see it all done.

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Good Luck on the restoration project!