Antique Compasses

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A compass is an instrument used in navigation or surveying to find direction. The most common type of compass is the magnetic compass.

The magnetic compass was developed in the 12th century independently in both China and Europe. The compass developed from the discovery that magnetic ore floating in water aligned itself towards the north. Compasses have been used to orient churches, and to construct underground mining tunnels.

Antique compasses proved useful in marine navigation by enabling its user to determine a more precise location.

Auction highlights include a 18th-Century Pearwood-mounted Plane-Table Antique Compass sold at Christie’s London on April 7, 2005 for $101,682.