Exquisite Miniature Gilt Brass Georgian Long Necked Compass c.1790

A very rare and attractive high quality Georgian long necked gilt brass compass in leather case c.1790. A scarce, high quality, 1″ diameter gilt brass pocket compass having ceramic dial with hand painted cardinals and intercardinals, and small inward arrow indicating magnetic north at the time of manufacture. Blued needle with N and S in gilt on brass crown pivot, highly-polished reflector ring, low dome crystal. Gilt brass drum form case, long necked suspension post and Georgian bow. Contained within its original blue velvet and champagne silk-lined leather-covered case with swinging brass keeper. Condition: The compass remaining in completely original condition, with almost all its gilding, very slight marks to verso, the crystal near-perfect, the leather case modestly worn, retaining most of its original finish. Crisp overall, swinging freely and finding north easily. Comments: This most attractive compass is very unusual, being not only of smaller size but with the flat blued needle as opposed to the bar needle seen in most compasses of this type. The compass predates the advent of gold plating in 1805 and the gilding is a result of the traditional amalgamation process as the cast brass bow and suspension post bear casting marks which plating would have hidden to a greater degree. Although the carat is not known, the richness of the colour would suggest 18ct gold. In wonderful original condition, this antique pocket compass is very much a collector’s piece or the perfect gift for a very special occasion.