NOT your everyday compass..

[fishstick]

I found this at the same site as the coin in question. I know it's a compass but it's so small, what would it have gone onto? It has two holes for mounting somehow. I don't know if you can see in the pic but where the N would be there's a symbol that looks like one for the boyscouts. This site was gone by the 1890's. Any help would be great!!! THANX for lookin.... HH

 

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[HutSiteDigger]

Those two holes are more then likely where a mechanical part went kind of like what is in the photo. This compass looks like it is from the early 19th century or even into the late 18th century.

 

[surf]

Nice find fish stick. Maybe something like this:

Antique Brass Boy Scout Compass Pin 1.5x1'' : Lot 1361

 

[nhbenz]

The use of the fluer de lis as north dates back to the 15th century and is used still today on maps, compasses, etc. it has no correlation to the boy scouts in this application. Its possible the mounting holes are to accomodate it being gimbaled, keeping it upright, as seen in this link (with an otherwise dissimilar compass); Scientific Collectables for 19th century gimbaled ships compasses by J Stevenson Aberdeen

 

[Twinkletoes]

Not sure, but this may help.



View attachment 766096

 

[Breezie]

What I find interesting about this compass is the letters and directional points appear to be relief brass. Is that correct? Breezie

 

[fishstick]

What I find interesting about this compass is the letters and directional points appear to be relief brass. Is that correct? Breezie[/QUOTT They are raised Breezie. Thanx . HH

 

[Breezie]

What I find interesting about this compass is the letters and directional points appear to be relief brass. Is that correct? Breezie[/QUOTT They are raised Breezie. Thanx . HH

FishStick, I think you might have a rare item. I've searched and looked at 100's of pics of compasses, and I've yet to see one with raised letters. I even thought it might be for the visually impaired, but the Braille ones have dots, not letters; besides, it's too little for a hands-on compass.

The only compasses with raised letters I could find were on modern jewelry like key chains and pendants, and yours is definitely vintage. Of course, just because I can't find a pic or any information on antique compasses with raised letters doesn't mean there's not some out there.

Since history repeats itself, and yours is a tiny compass, I'm wondering if it is an antique pendant and was attached by the 2 holes on the side? I've seen several Victorian compass necklaces/pendants, but none with the text in relief.

Breezie

 

[fishstick]

FishStick, I think you might have a rare item. I've searched and looked at 100's of pics of compasses, and I've yet to see one with raised letters. I even thought it might be for the visually impaired, but the Braille ones have dots, not letters; besides, it's too little for a hands-on compass.

The only compasses with raised letters I could find were on modern jewelry like key chains and pendants, and yours is definitely vintage. Of course, just because I can't find a pic or any information on antique compasses with raised letters doesn't mean there's not some out there.

Since history repeats itself, and yours is a tiny compass, I'm wondering if it is an antique pendant and was attached by the 2 holes on the side? I've seen several Victorian compass necklaces/pendants, but none with the text in relief.

Breezie

Thanx Breezie!!! I thgt it was different find for sure. That's what makes this hobby a BLAST!! THANX YOU so much for takin the time on it.... HH

 

[DCMatt]

The use of the fluer de lis as north dates back to the 15th century and is used still today on maps, compasses, etc. it has no correlation to the boy scouts in this application. Its possible the mounting holes are to accomodate it being gimbaled, keeping it upright, as seen in this link (with an otherwise dissimilar compass); Scientific Collectables for 19th century gimbaled ships compasses by J Stevenson Aberdeen

The fluer de lis was used because most sailors couldn't read. Nice relic. Can you give us any more infor about the location of the find?

DCMatt

 

[fishstick]

The fluer de lis was used because most sailors couldn't read. Nice relic. Can you give us any more infor about the location of the find?

DCMatt

Hey MATT, thanx for the look. It was found at a homesite in a bean field that was gone before the turn of the century. There is a very large creek about a mile away. The site is in the far north of Jenning's county here in IND. The latest date coin is a 1875 IH and the earliest is a 1837 LC. That's about all I can tell you about it. HH

 

[DCMatt]

Frankly, I like Surf's Boy Scout compass pin idea... But if you are convinced it is older, it could be part of a pocket sundial. That's the only other application I can think of for a tiny compass like yours.



DCMatt

 

[DCMatt]

When I was a Boy Scout they taught us how to tell time if we were lost in the wilderness.

Here's how:

Go to a clearing when the sun is high.

Face north.

Extend your left arm straight out in front of you.

Slowly bend your elbow until your hand is pointing East.

When your hand is pointing due East, roll up your sleeve and look at your watch.

Works almost every time.

DCMatt

 

[Breezie]

Frankly, I like Surf's Boy Scout compass pin idea... But if you are convinced it is older, it could be part of a pocket sundial. That's the only other application I can think of for a tiny compass like yours.



DCMatt

I searched again, and still couldn't find a compass with raised letters. As far as the size is concerned, tiny compasses were used in the top of walking sticks, as watch fobs, in pocket knife handles, and in the 50s, Hubley even put a tiny compass in the handle of one of the Pioneer cap guns.

I agree with Matt in that I think it was used as a pin or brooch. It has a jewelry look to me.

Breezie