26th Oct, 2011 12:00
Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art (Implacable)
210
[M] A RARE SINGER'S PATENT MARINE NIGHT COMPASS BY...
comprising 2in. mother-of-pearl card signed and numbered Elliott Bros London 23661 / SINGER'S PATENT, set in a gilt-brass gimbal-mounted bowl with needle lock within plush-lined mahogany box with hinged lid and press-release catch (needle lock now defective) -- 4in. (10cm.) square
Samuel Singer (1796-?1887) was a serious sportsman who, because of his frustration with conventional compasses, invented what became a design classic in use for about fifty years. His patent was, like all great inventions, deceptively simple: by using a mother-of-pearl card set on a jewelled pivot with the northern half painted black with white symbols, and the southern reversed, he created an effective method of allowing a compass to be read accurately with almost no light at all. Most commonly seen in pocket or fob compass models, more sophisticated box gimbal versions are rare. The patent ran between 1861 and 1868 although later cards are often still marked 'Singer's Patent'. Although Trinity House gave them glowing reviews, marine versions are notably rare compared to pocket versions. Britain and Switzerland adopted them for their armies in a pocket form and they remained in production until radium paint ushered in the luminous dial era from 1906. Sadly Samuel Singer was effectively swindled out of his patent rights early on and he died in penury.
Literature: Takacs, K: Compass Chronicles, Schiffer Publishing 2010, p.41-47 inc.
Sold for £2,356
Estimated at £180 - £250
(inc. buyer's premium of 24%)
Condition Report
Condition is as stated in the catalogue.
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.
comprising 2in. mother-of-pearl card signed and numbered Elliott Bros London 23661 / SINGER'S PATENT, set in a gilt-brass gimbal-mounted bowl with needle lock within plush-lined mahogany box with hinged lid and press-release catch (needle lock now defective) -- 4in. (10cm.) square
Samuel Singer (1796-?1887) was a serious sportsman who, because of his frustration with conventional compasses, invented what became a design classic in use for about fifty years. His patent was, like all great inventions, deceptively simple: by using a mother-of-pearl card set on a jewelled pivot with the northern half painted black with white symbols, and the southern reversed, he created an effective method of allowing a compass to be read accurately with almost no light at all. Most commonly seen in pocket or fob compass models, more sophisticated box gimbal versions are rare. The patent ran between 1861 and 1868 although later cards are often still marked 'Singer's Patent'. Although Trinity House gave them glowing reviews, marine versions are notably rare compared to pocket versions. Britain and Switzerland adopted them for their armies in a pocket form and they remained in production until radium paint ushered in the luminous dial era from 1906. Sadly Samuel Singer was effectively swindled out of his patent rights early on and he died in penury.
Literature: Takacs, K: Compass Chronicles, Schiffer Publishing 2010, p.41-47 inc.
Auction: Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art (Implacable), 26th Oct, 2011
