25th Apr, 2012 12:00
Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art (Anzac)
214
[M] AN ADMIRALTY STANDARD COMPASS PATTERN 1,...
AN ADMIRALTY STANDARD COMPASS PATTERN 1, 1840-88
with 7½in. diameter blue and black compass card contained within separate lid compartment, oxidised-brass and white-painted bowl with lacquered-brass fittings, folding sights, shades etc., with gimbals and mounting frame, contained within fitted case of issue with plummet line, bubble level and set of typed notes from The Admiralty Compass Observatory, for determining magnetic variation dated 13 July 1953 and inspection stamps inside for 1937, the compass frame and box numbered B40, securing hooks and original leather carry strap, overall measurements -- 10¼ x 15 x 13½in. (26 x 38 x 34.5cm.)
The lack of a good-quality standard compass for naval use had long been a problem for the Royal Navy. Various learned experts (such as Dr. Gowan Knight) had produced instruments which were highly satisfactory as long as they were tested ashore. Once aboard, the rolling ship combined with dramatic magnetic variation produced by iron guns and girdles, made them more of a hazard than a help if blindly trusted by ships' commanders. The response to growing peril was the Admiralty Compass Committee, founded in July 1837 and comprising six members (including Francis Beaufort and James Clark Ross), they first met on the 24th July that year in the Admiralty Library. The product of this Committee was the Admiralty Standard Compass Pattern 1 of 1840 and which transformed marine compasses overnight. Orders from foreign navies flooded in and it remained the principal RN compass until 1888, after which it was re-designated a 'landing compass'. In his book Steady As She Goes, Cmdr A. Fanning states 'Although it was removed from the Rate Book shortly before World War II, it is known to have still been in operational service as late as 1944, over a century after its introduction'; This example remained in Admiralty surplus stores until sold to the present vendor in 1988.
with 7½in. diameter blue and black compass card contained within separate lid compartment, oxidised-brass and white-painted bowl with lacquered-brass fittings, folding sights, shades etc., with gimbals and mounting frame, contained within fitted case of issue with plummet line, bubble level and set of typed notes from The Admiralty Compass Observatory, for determining magnetic variation dated 13 July 1953 and inspection stamps inside for 1937, the compass frame and box numbered B40, securing hooks and original leather carry strap, overall measurements -- 10¼ x 15 x 13½in. (26 x 38 x 34.5cm.)
The lack of a good-quality standard compass for naval use had long been a problem for the Royal Navy. Various learned experts (such as Dr. Gowan Knight) had produced instruments which were highly satisfactory as long as they were tested ashore. Once aboard, the rolling ship combined with dramatic magnetic variation produced by iron guns and girdles, made them more of a hazard than a help if blindly trusted by ships' commanders. The response to growing peril was the Admiralty Compass Committee, founded in July 1837 and comprising six members (including Francis Beaufort and James Clark Ross), they first met on the 24th July that year in the Admiralty Library. The product of this Committee was the Admiralty Standard Compass Pattern 1 of 1840 and which transformed marine compasses overnight. Orders from foreign navies flooded in and it remained the principal RN compass until 1888, after which it was re-designated a 'landing compass'. In his book Steady As She Goes, Cmdr A. Fanning states 'Although it was removed from the Rate Book shortly before World War II, it is known to have still been in operational service as late as 1944, over a century after its introduction'; This example remained in Admiralty surplus stores until sold to the present vendor in 1988.
Sold for £868
Estimated at £700 - £900
(inc. buyer's premium of 24%)
AN ADMIRALTY STANDARD COMPASS PATTERN 1, 1840-88
with 7½in. diameter blue and black compass card contained within separate lid compartment, oxidised-brass and white-painted bowl with lacquered-brass fittings, folding sights, shades etc., with gimbals and mounting frame, contained within fitted case of issue with plummet line, bubble level and set of typed notes from The Admiralty Compass Observatory, for determining magnetic variation dated 13 July 1953 and inspection stamps inside for 1937, the compass frame and box numbered B40, securing hooks and original leather carry strap, overall measurements -- 10¼ x 15 x 13½in. (26 x 38 x 34.5cm.)
The lack of a good-quality standard compass for naval use had long been a problem for the Royal Navy. Various learned experts (such as Dr. Gowan Knight) had produced instruments which were highly satisfactory as long as they were tested ashore. Once aboard, the rolling ship combined with dramatic magnetic variation produced by iron guns and girdles, made them more of a hazard than a help if blindly trusted by ships' commanders. The response to growing peril was the Admiralty Compass Committee, founded in July 1837 and comprising six members (including Francis Beaufort and James Clark Ross), they first met on the 24th July that year in the Admiralty Library. The product of this Committee was the Admiralty Standard Compass Pattern 1 of 1840 and which transformed marine compasses overnight. Orders from foreign navies flooded in and it remained the principal RN compass until 1888, after which it was re-designated a 'landing compass'. In his book Steady As She Goes, Cmdr A. Fanning states 'Although it was removed from the Rate Book shortly before World War II, it is known to have still been in operational service as late as 1944, over a century after its introduction'; This example remained in Admiralty surplus stores until sold to the present vendor in 1988.
with 7½in. diameter blue and black compass card contained within separate lid compartment, oxidised-brass and white-painted bowl with lacquered-brass fittings, folding sights, shades etc., with gimbals and mounting frame, contained within fitted case of issue with plummet line, bubble level and set of typed notes from The Admiralty Compass Observatory, for determining magnetic variation dated 13 July 1953 and inspection stamps inside for 1937, the compass frame and box numbered B40, securing hooks and original leather carry strap, overall measurements -- 10¼ x 15 x 13½in. (26 x 38 x 34.5cm.)
The lack of a good-quality standard compass for naval use had long been a problem for the Royal Navy. Various learned experts (such as Dr. Gowan Knight) had produced instruments which were highly satisfactory as long as they were tested ashore. Once aboard, the rolling ship combined with dramatic magnetic variation produced by iron guns and girdles, made them more of a hazard than a help if blindly trusted by ships' commanders. The response to growing peril was the Admiralty Compass Committee, founded in July 1837 and comprising six members (including Francis Beaufort and James Clark Ross), they first met on the 24th July that year in the Admiralty Library. The product of this Committee was the Admiralty Standard Compass Pattern 1 of 1840 and which transformed marine compasses overnight. Orders from foreign navies flooded in and it remained the principal RN compass until 1888, after which it was re-designated a 'landing compass'. In his book Steady As She Goes, Cmdr A. Fanning states 'Although it was removed from the Rate Book shortly before World War II, it is known to have still been in operational service as late as 1944, over a century after its introduction'; This example remained in Admiralty surplus stores until sold to the present vendor in 1988.
Auction: Maritime and Scientific Models, Instruments & Art (Anzac), 25th Apr, 2012
