A FINE 18TH-CENTURY MARINER'S COMPASS BY P.N. BRENNØE, COPENHAGEN, CIRCA 1750
with 4in. etched card signed around centre P.N. Brennøe / Kiøbenhavn contained within a carved wooden bowl lined with laid paper painted white and countermarked and dated '1805' by the inked 'North' line, the exterior finished in gesso and paint, top glass retained with sealing wax -- 3 x 5½in. (7.5 x 14cm.)

A specialist compass maker, Peder Nielson Brennøe is recorded as working from the late 1740s until 1767 when the business was handed to his son Christian Pedersen Brennøe. He in turn continued until 1800 when his son, Peter Christian Brennøe, succeeded and possibly made the adjusters' marks found inside. This example was discovered recently in Scotland and its remarkable state of preservation suggests it was little used after its 1805 refurbishment.

Condition Report
Fine condition - original intact glass, sealing wax unchipped, card responds well to a magnet, overall original finish in good order. This compass was over-hauled in 1805 and seems to have been little changed since that date.

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charles Miller Ltd is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.