Antique Ship's Compass: Types and What to Check Before Buying
An antique ship's compass is a popular maritime collectable, but condition varies widely. These are the points worth checking before you bid.
Dry card or liquid compass
In a dry-card compass the card turns in air on a pivot. A liquid compass has a bowl filled with fluid that damps the swing of the card; liquid-filled marine compasses became common in the second half of the 19th century. Knowing which type you are looking at tells you what faults to look for.
Gimbals and binnacles
A ship's compass is normally mounted in gimbals, a pair of rings that keeps the bowl level as the vessel pitches and rolls. Check that the gimbal ring moves freely and that the bowl sits properly. Many compasses were housed in a binnacle, a pedestal or box that held the compass and its lamp. A compass sold without its binnacle is not unusual, but it should be described that way.
What to inspect
Ask for photos of the card, the glass and the bowl. In a liquid compass, look for bubbles, cloudy fluid or signs of leaking. In any compass, check that the card is intact and legible, that the glass is not cracked, and that the lubber line is visible. Ask whether the card swings freely and settles to north.
Makers and markings
Look for a maker's name on the card or dial. Names you may come across include Ritchie, Lilley & Gillie, Henry Hughes & Son and Kelvin & Hughes. A recognised maker adds interest, but check that the marking looks original and matches the instrument.
Find examples on eBay
Browse antique ship's compasses, binnacle compasses and gimballed brass compasses on eBay.
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More guides
- Buying an Antique Sextant: A Checklist Before You BidWhat to inspect in an antique marine sextant before bidding: mirrors, arc, micrometer, telescope, maker's marks, the case, and how to avoid reproductions.