French Pocket Compass | Brass Case with Sighting Lens | Early 20th Century

$175.00
$175.00
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Antique French brass pocket compass with hinged lid, glass-covered dial, and sighting lens, marked “Made in France,” circa 1900–1930.
French pocket compass with brass case and sighting lens, early 20th century.
Antique French brass pocket compass shown open with hinged lid and glass-covered dial.
Side view of a French brass pocket compass highlighting the working sighting lens.
Back view of a French pocket compass showing smooth brass casing and natural age patina.
Early 20th-century French pocket compass photographed open to display magnetic needle and dial.
Close-up photograph of aged patina and machining marks on a French brass pocket compass.
Museum-style photograph of a French pocket compass used as an early 20th-century navigation instrument.
  • Antique French brass pocket compass with hinged lid, glass-covered dial, and sighting lens, marked “Made in France,” circa 1900–1930.
  • French pocket compass with brass case and sighting lens, early 20th century.
  • Antique French brass pocket compass shown open with hinged lid and glass-covered dial.
  • Side view of a French brass pocket compass highlighting the working sighting lens.
  • Back view of a French pocket compass showing smooth brass casing and natural age patina.
  • Early 20th-century French pocket compass photographed open to display magnetic needle and dial.
  • Close-up photograph of aged patina and machining marks on a French brass pocket compass.
  • Museum-style photograph of a French pocket compass used as an early 20th-century navigation instrument.
Antique French brass pocket compass with hinged lid, glass-covered dial, and sighting lens, marked “Made in France,” circa 1900–1930.
French pocket compass with brass case and sighting lens, early 20th century.
Antique French brass pocket compass shown open with hinged lid and glass-covered dial.
Side view of a French brass pocket compass highlighting the working sighting lens.
Back view of a French pocket compass showing smooth brass casing and natural age patina.
Early 20th-century French pocket compass photographed open to display magnetic needle and dial.
Close-up photograph of aged patina and machining marks on a French brass pocket compass.
Museum-style photograph of a French pocket compass used as an early 20th-century navigation instrument.
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French Pocket Compass | Brass Case with Sighting Lens | Early 20th Century

Description
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Historical Context & Origin

Region: France
Material: Brass, glass, steel
Period: Early 20th Century, circa 1900–1930

Description

This French-made pocket compass is housed in a round brass case with a hinged lid and working sighting lens. The dial features legible cardinal points in both English and French notation, and is marked “Made in France” at the base. Finely crafted for precision, it reflects the robust engineering of early 20th-century French instrumentation.

Features

- Original brass housing with aged patina and oxidation

- Glass-covered dial with clear directional markers

- Functional sighting lens for directional accuracy

- Hinged protective cover and suspension loop

- Marked “Made in France” on dial

Cultural Significance

Portable compasses were vital tools for navigation during exploration, fieldwork, and military campaigns in the early 20th century. This example illustrates both durability and refinement, embodying the balance of practicality and craftsmanship in French instrument making.

Condition

Good antique condition with moderate oxidation and surface wear. Lid opens and closes smoothly. Compass needle remains responsive.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Diameter: 2.75 in
Height (including loop): 3.5 in

Age (Approximate)

90–120 years old

Learn More

Learn about the origins and evolution of the compass at Dalvey

View our Collection of Functional Tools and Ancient Implements

Description

Historical Context & Origin

Region: France
Material: Brass, glass, steel
Period: Early 20th Century, circa 1900–1930

Description

This French-made pocket compass is housed in a round brass case with a hinged lid and working sighting lens. The dial features legible cardinal points in both English and French notation, and is marked “Made in France” at the base. Finely crafted for precision, it reflects the robust engineering of early 20th-century French instrumentation.

Features

- Original brass housing with aged patina and oxidation

- Glass-covered dial with clear directional markers

- Functional sighting lens for directional accuracy

- Hinged protective cover and suspension loop

- Marked “Made in France” on dial

Cultural Significance

Portable compasses were vital tools for navigation during exploration, fieldwork, and military campaigns in the early 20th century. This example illustrates both durability and refinement, embodying the balance of practicality and craftsmanship in French instrument making.

Condition

Good antique condition with moderate oxidation and surface wear. Lid opens and closes smoothly. Compass needle remains responsive.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Diameter: 2.75 in
Height (including loop): 3.5 in

Age (Approximate)

90–120 years old

Learn More

Learn about the origins and evolution of the compass at Dalvey

View our Collection of Functional Tools and Ancient Implements

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