Antique The Magnapole compass by Short & Mason ltd, British army compass, rare early patent applied for, vintage brass collectible
Antique Magnapole compass I believe by Short and Mason Ltd. In my research I found the early pieces were not marked Short and Mason who established in 1875. This compass is marked The Magnapole on the front and Patent applied for on the back. This dates it to be before 1914 when the patent was granted. This type of compass was offered to the British army in 1913 and was used during WWI. However I do not have any history on this actual compass but it's bound to have some stories to tell. It looks in great condition for age, I'm sure it could be deep cleaned and polished but I've resisted the urge as some like the age wear after all it's part of its history. Lots that I have seen are missing the brass ring, this one has its ring.
It works but I have not tested it for accuracy as I know which way is north and it confirms this. Measures approximately 7 cm across from hinge to handle/knob and 2cm deep. Such a lovely early piece and quite rare being a draft/pre patent item.
£165 includes tracked postage, PayPal.
