 Click on the picture for an enlarged view. |
 France, early 20th c. (stamp value: 5 centimes) |
Description / explanation Head streamer: The Language of the Compass Each cardinal point has a meaning, starting from the cool North and getting gradually hotter towards South. West = Friendship, SW = Tenderness, SE = Love, South = Passionate love. (See also Esoticism) Bottom line: Show your feelings by painting the corresponding arrow. |
 |
 |
La Boussole d'Amour Head streamer: The Compass of Love (French soldier in the blue WW1 uniform. Overleaf: letter dated Sept. 10, 1918) Below the doves: a pocket compass (link to pic) of which we don't possess any similar version but which resembles strongly the M&V products. Bottom line: With it you never can get lost, You are sure to love each other forever |
 |
 |
Postcard
- French
airline AIR FRANCE
(1930's) Logo (seahorse) in the centre of a rose of the winds The aircraft looks like the Couzinet 70 Arc-en-ciel bought by Air France but the real one's fin had not a classical shape but featured a receding line and was somehow too small. |
 At
l.: Stamp
representing the exploration ship La
Boussole(in French: The compass). Read more details in Nautical Compasses / La Boussole (name of a ship) Below: Boxing the compass |
 |
 Postcard in Slovenian language dated 1927 GEOLOŠKO MAPIRANJE - SMER ODLIČNA Transl.: "geological mapping - an excellent way" (meaning: it leads you to a pub!) |
 German trading card (Palmin
margarine) showing the compass
binnacle among various instruments. |
 Young sailors
learning
the rose of the winds , i.e. boxing
the compass. |
 Assembling
the KELVITE
compass for the Queen
Mary
(trading card, Churchman's cigarettes) |
 |
 |
FÈVES
(trinket)
for the
French Kings Cake (galette des rois) Read the explanation in Wikipedia  |
 Click
on
the picture for an enlarged view
|
 |
Description / explanation This medal was probably made for the winner of an orienteering competition. Name, date and location can be engraved on the obverse. |
 UNEG: Union Nationale des Évadés de Guerre (National Association of Escaped Prisoners of War) Click
on
the pictures for enlarged views
|
 Back side: fitting for button-hole Designer: Courtois, Paris |
These
medals feature
a typical
French
Army marching compass called boussole
directrice.
Its marching course arrow points to
the word
FRANCE (or the abbrev. UNEG) and an
opening in the barbed wire fence
symbolizing the escape from the next country located east, i.e. Germany. (NOTE: See also the Russian and East-German TOURIST buttons) Compare to the Médaille des Évadés (Medal for escaped prisoners of war 1939 - 1945) which looks entirely different. NOTE: The needle's north end which is pointing to about 45° East corresponds in fact to a user located at some place in northern Alaska... Magnetic North in the 1940's was located about 5° West in Europe! |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Hat
(or tie) pin England, late 19th c. Technical Data - Diameter: 10 mm - Length: 75 mm |
| Necklace
pendant in fob watch shape
- France, late 19th c. Possibly from the city of Draguignan which has a dragon in its coat-of-arms  Technical Data - Diameter: 22 mm - Depth: 5 mm - Weight (with chain): 175 gr |
 TOP OF PAGE |
 |
| Pendant
in fob watch shape France, late 19th c.  |
Obverse
: mistletoe |
Technical
Data - Material: silver-coated metal - Diameter: c.1 " / 23 mm - Depth: 5 mm - Poids : 3 gr TOP OF PAGE |
| Necklace
compass pendant - France, late 19th c.  |
 TOP OF PAGE |
Technical
Data - Diameter: 21 mm - Depth: 10 mm - Weight: 10 g Obverse design: Britanny's coat of arms - a Duke's crown (duchy of Britanny) - ermine tips as a background - an ermine - but walking against the normal direction (from right to left) on coats-of-arms. |
City
coat-of-arms -
France, late 19th C.  Paray-le-Monial (Pic. courtesy D. Beaudry) |
 Roscoff |
Header
of a French instruments maker's invoice. His specialty was fashion jewelery. He was a client of HOULLIOT (1890s).  (Click on image for enlarged view) |
Compass
Pendant - Germany, late
19th c. Charm for bracelet |
 Space for engraving one's own coat of arms |
 The chain is composed of double rings made of elephant hair (?) Click on picture for enlarged view. Technical Data - Dimensions: 19 x 19 mm - Depth: 6 mm - Weight: ? g |
 Click on the image for enlarged view |
Bierzipfel ? This metallic item has the shape but probably not the functionality of a genuine Bierzipfel. Dimensions - Compass dia: 20 mm - Stripe breadth: 15 mm - Length (overall): 160 mm |
 (Click on the picture for an enlarged view of the dial) |
 |
Fob
watch compass with anchor design Origin: England, late 19th c. Technical Data - Compass diameter: 30 mm - Depth: 8 mm - Length (with chain): 170 mm |
 |
 Belaying pin (Picture courtesy Y. Le Bris) |
 Click for enlarged view of silver hallmarks |
Technical
Data - Compass dia.: 13mm - Depth: 10mm - Height: 40mm The stamps at the base indicate: - the silversmith's initials (J.A), - the city of Birmingham in England (anchor), - the year it was made : 1881 (lower case gothic g). NOTE: the anchor should have been shown upright. This is usually the position of the anchor for gold jewels. The transverse boom bears the words written REAL SILVER. |
Charm
- England, early 20th c. |
 Technical
Data
- Compass dimensions - Diameter: .. mm |
The
chain bears
the maker's punch (C.W) of Charles Wilkes (Mott Street, Birmingham). |
 Click on picture for enlarged view. (The Online Compass Museum is not the owner of this exhibit - Pictures courtesy BELFOR ANTIQUES) |
 |
Technical
Data - Material: gold - Diameter: 7⁄8 " - Depth: 3⁄8 " - Weight: 17.9 gr - England 1880 BELFOR ANTIQUES added the following information: 9K gold tested with 9K acid. The bloodstone was tested with refractive index liquid. TOP OF PAGE |
 Victorian miniature cased compass and thermometer |
 |
Technical
Data - Dimensions: 29 x 18 mm The case is made from mother of pearl with brass mounts and the compass and thermometer are either side when open. The case closes on a little catch. Pictures by courtesy of Ebay vendor Flikmywick Click on the pictures for enlarged views. |
 The older instruments featured a barometer needle with a fleur de lis-shaped short end. Later instruments featured a moon crescent and the case was cylinder-shaped (link to pic.). |
Compendium,
France c. 1900 The instrument in its case. The compass could only be used when the instrument was opened. (Pic. of a German Version HERE) |
Technical
Data - Dia.: c. 2 in. / 52mm - Height: 28mm The compendium comprised two hinged parts containing the compass and a thermometer on one side and a barometer on the other. Below: MORIN catalogue (c. 1930)  |
Foldable
windvane stowed under a glass cover |
 Pictures by courtesy of Andrew Stewart (click on the images for enlarged views) |
WInd-vane
compass made by Houlliot |
Thermometer
on the rear side. Maker or retailer (unknown): G.R. Dia.: c. 2 ¼ " / 55mm  |
 Click on the image for an
enlarged view
|
Technical
Data - Folding windvane above a floating dial - Cardinal points: German - Dia.: 55 mm - Height (erected): 40 mm - Weight: 97 g |
 Click on the images
for enlarged views
|
Marching compass #292 (Pic. courtesy comiclick) |
Wrist compass #436 |
 Wrist compass #866 (Pic. courtesy krabbenohr) |
  (Pic. courtesy L. Boigey) |
 Mickey
Mouse mag. no. 25 (1992, in German: Micky
Maus)
|
The compass assembled (click on the image to view the parts)  |
Assembling the compass
and how to use it for survival is explained on two pages. |
 Model
Feniks (=
Phoenix) 5
Click on the images
for enlarged views
|
The two tiny balls in the compass case |
Technical
Data - Material: metal (coloured part), plastic (black part) - Compass dia: 1 in / 25 mm - Aircraft dim. (LxB): 4 3⁄16 x 3 1⁄2 in - Landing gear: (photo: view of under-carriage) - Aicraft model: MiG-29 or Sukhoi-35 - Made in Bulgaria ? |
 Click on the images for enlarged views |
|
|
|
|
 (Picture Jaypee - priv. coll.) |
 |
Technical
Data - Material: marble - Diameter: 60 mm - Height: 32 mm - Weight: gr? |
  |
  |
Technical
Data - Dia.: 1 inch / 25mm - Height: 2 in. /: 53 mm - Weight: 58 g - Compass: Cardinals in English, magnifying lens - Calendar: rotating bush with notches below the days of the week in French (L = lundi / Monday, M = mardiTuesday / Dienstag etc.) - Period: France late 19th c. - Bottom: Names of the months and number of days, name of inventor or manufacturer: Waldeck / Strasbourg Click on images for enlarged views |
 |
 Click on images for enlarged views |
Technical
Data - Material: plastic - Feather: steel & gold - Length x Dia. (cap): 6 x ½ in. (150 x 14mm) |
 Above: Type 1 with floating disc. Type 2 featured a needle. |
  |
Technical
Data - Material: bakelite - Dia.: 1.188 in / 30mm - Length: 2.688 in / 70 mm - Marking (on base): US - Manufacturer of the compass (link to comprehensive entry) : Taylor |
  |
 |
Technical
Data - Material: aluminium - Diameter: 70 mm - Height (tumbler): 80 mm - Depth (case closed): 25 mm / 1 inch - Weight: 45 g |
  Two opera glasses: each one is equipped with a compass on one side and a mirror on the other. Metallic structure, telescopic extension for focussing. Cardinal points in English (top) and French (above) |
 Technical Data - Diameter front lenses: 45 mm - Diameter rear lenses: 18 mm - Breadth open, front lenses: 110 mm - Breadth open, rear lenses: 85 mm - Length, fully extended: 105 mm - Length, folded: 85 mm - Weight: 100 g |
 (click on picture for enlarged view of flyer in English and French) |
Bakelite,
black, rough surface Technical Data - The overall dimensions of all three vary only very slightly. - Weight: about 20-30 g - Focussing by means of feathered sliding bars - Dial: Cardinal points in English, divisions 360 degrees, clockwise - Marking: MADE IN FRANCE - Each lense fits neatly in a frame on the main stem. |
Bakelite,
ivory imitation (this exhibit was kindly loaned by Mrs Sue Cubitt)  Technical Data - Dial marking: BAVARIA - Divisions: Four 90 degrees quadrants (Click on images for detailed view of dials) |
Bakelite,
amber imitation Technical Data - Hexagonal lense frames - Screw actuated focussing extension - Dial: French cardinal points, compass rose with divisions but no graduation |
 |
Compass-binoculars by J.
Laffargue A compass inside the glasses can be observed via a mirror. |
Abstract
out of "La
Nature. Revue des sciences et de leurs
applications aux arts et à l'industrie. Journal hebdomadaire
illustré. Nouvelles scientifiques, 1894, 2ème
semestre : n° 1096 à 1121. Author: Tissandier,
Gaston (1843-1899) Full description (2 p.) available at the price of 5 Euros |
 Click on the images for enlarged views. (pictures by courtesy of laugantik) |
Powder box made
by the French maker Collignon-Houlliot in the 1960s-70s for a famous
French make-up maker. View from below |
Technical
Data - Dimensions: Ø 70mm - Weight: 111gr - Cardinals in English  |
 Text at the lower border line (1 mm high letters): SOMERS BROS. Brooklyn, N.Y. - Patented Sept. 24th and Nov. 18th 1878 (last digit unsure) Click on pictures for enlarged view. |
 Picture at the box' underside: a heraldic rose between six leaves (three on each side). The text parts ("P. LORILLARD & Co's ROSE LEAF Chewing tobacco") are written on a curled strip. |
Technical
Data - Dimensions: 88 x 56 x 16 mm - Weight: 54 g - Cardinal points in English Picture of patent for objects with a sundial and a compass (dated Nov. 1856) "Utilisation of solar system and compass on tobacco boxes, purses, walking sticks, jewels etc." |
 Click on pictures for enlarged view. |
 |
Technical
Data - Dimensions: 68 x 35 x 66 mm - Weight: 30 g - Cardinal points in French (or any other Roman language) Patent: see item above Compass probably made by HOULLIOT |
 Click on the pictures for enlarged views. |
 Users' instructions (French, copies can be ordered) |
Technical
Data - Dimensions: 4 ¼ x 2 1/8 in. (108 x 55 x 55mm) - Weight: 3 oz. (100gr) - Integrated functionalities: Compass, sundial, mirror, magnifying glasses (spy glass, microscope etc.) |
 Click
for
enlarged view.
|
Technical
Data - Diameter: 105 mm - Depth: 28 mm - Weight: 120 gr - Wooden capsule, dial made of cardboard with quadrants divisions (zero at N and S, a star at 90°) - Marking: Schutzmarke = registered design - Threefold coil (click HERE for view of rear side) |
 |
Tiny
galvanometer
made by A. Gaiffe (Paris). Dim.: 4 x 4 x 2 cm 
 |
  At left: The manufacturer's abbreviated name FES At right: The Swiss Patent no. |
 Patent (excerpt) (Click on the images for enlarged views) |
Magnetic
Probe Technical Data - Diam.: 45 mm - Length: 67 mm - Weight: 45 gr |
Similar
item made by Henri Burnat (H.B.). Check his Marching and
Pocket compasses
 Picture by courtesy fo yayadao |
 |
 (Click on the images for enlarged views) |
 |
Technical
Data - Dim.: 3 1/2 x 2 3/8 x 3 1/4 in. (90 x 60 x 82 mm) - Built: 1956 |
 |
 |
Pictures courtesy sandozem / Jaypee (Click on images for enlarged views) |
Technical
Data - Dia.: 205mm - Height: 410mm - Weight: 1,950 kg - Compass: pocket-type inserted in the top plate - Casing wrapped with snake-skin imitating paper - Selection button for short and long waves (petites et grandes ondes): P.O. / G.O. - Coil inside Manufacturer not known (his name was probably printed on the missing bottom plate) |
 |
 |
 Pictures courtesy lionjo / Jaypee |
Manufacturer
DUCRETET Technical data - Dim. (frame): 710 x 405mm - Dim. (foot): 280 x 230mm - Compass: pocket-type inserted in foot - Selection button for short, middle and long waves (petites, moyennes et grandes ondes) : P.O. / M.O. / G.O. |
 Export version : P.M. (post meridium) Note: The letter S located an arrow pointing to the loop stands for the word SUN and not south! (Pic. sent by a visitor - priv. coll.) |
DECOUDUN
compass French version: MATIN = A.M. (ante meridium) Picture courtesy Simon A. Spaans (Click for enlarged view) |
Description
and
instructions
(Click
for enlarged views)Pic. at left: excerpt from Frédéric DILLAYE's book "La théorie, pratique et l'art en photographie", 1891, La Librairie Illustrée, Paris). Pic at r.: advert. 1890   - Diameter: 30 mm - Depth: 10 mm - Scale : 6 -12 a.m., 1 - 6 p.m. User Instruction (French) |
(Picture courtesy Simon A. Spaans - Click for enlarged view) |
 Manufrance catalogue for 1910 |
DECOUDUN
"PHOTO COMPAS" Technical data - Dimensions: 50 x 45 x 14 mm - Around 1907 Decoudun retailed many other products for the young photography: ads dated 1890-1985. |
 (Pic. Jaypee - private coll.) |
 |
Technical Data - Diameter: 45 mm - Scale: 4-20 i.e. 4 a.m. - 8 p.m. - User instruction on reverse side |
 The user instruction was available in French, English and German. Apparently illogical system. The disk is divided into 12 hours but the scale doesn't match the sun's positions during the day. |
  The printing plates for the catalogues and boxes still exist. (For more pics. click on the images) |
Description
and user instr.
according to Franz Winterer: Houlliot also printed dials featuring two identical scales, each one divided 0-18 in red and black but numbered only 3-15, probably intended for another still undiscovered instrument (dia. 37 mm, 15 per page). |
|
Germany:
In 1895, a Vienna review reported that a German called Otto Wiegandt
of Zeitz (Saxony) had
a certain number of Decoudun-type compasses built for him (published in
Bulletin du Photo-Club de Paris, no picture available).
 |
British
system (no manufacturer
name) with inverted figures: South: 6 / North: 12
 Picture courtesy
Godblessthismess
|
|
 Picture courtesy Simon A. Spaans (Click for enlarged view) |
A. WATKINS
with Negretti & Zambra compass Compare the pic. below to the drawing of an ad published in the Bulletin du Photo-Club in Paris (1895)  |
 Technical
Data- Diameter: 45 mm - Length: 70 mm - Around 1900 Markings (pict. at r.) : Watkins Exposure Meter Patent Sole Makers R. Field & Co Birmingham |
 |
A.
WATKINS: "BEE meter" Picture courtesy anonym. priv. coll. (Click for enlarged view) |
Technical
Data - Diameter: ... mm - Height: ... mm |
 |
Photographers' Sun Position Compass
- designed by FLIGHT LOGISTICS Compass for cinema and television teams but also for gardeners looking for the best place for their plants in a garden! |
