Georgian Gilt Brass Long Necked Compass by Carpenter & Westley c.1834

A good Georgian gold plated long necked compass by Carpenter & Westley c.1834. 1¾” diameter gilt brass pocket compass having enamelled card dial with hand painted cardinals, intercardinals and false points, fleur de lys indicating north, small arrow to the outside of NNW indicating magnetic north at the time. The upper part carrying the maker “Carpenter & Westley,” the lower part “111 New St, Birmingham.” Polished flat steel bar needle with jewelled suspension, highly-polished gilded reflector ring, low convex crystal. Gilt brass drum form case, long necked suspension post and Georgian bow with transit lock button behind. Condition: The compass remaining in completely original condition, retaining much of its original gold-plated finish, light marks to verso. The crystal with very light surface marks, not really visible to the naked eye. The dial with a few age marks, the needle swinging freely, finding north. The transit lock working correctly. The bow repaired. Comments: In better than average condition, this compass can be accurately dated to c.1834 by not only the position of magnetic north, but also the address on the dial - Carpenter & Westley was a partnership between Mary Carpenter and William Westley, and were only active as a partnership at that address between the death of Mary's brother Philip in 1833, and 1835. Almost 200 years old, this Georgian compass would make a thoughtful and lasting gift.