18th c American Mahogany Dome Top Secretary with Compass Star Inlay
Located in Milford, NH
A wonderful form two part American mahogany dome top secretary, its upper case with a molded cornice over two fitted doors, opening to a compartmentalized interior with open shaped v...
Brass
Antique English Brass Cased Compass, c.1920
Located in Bath, GB
A smart early twentieth century brass cased travelling compass with lid to protect the glass The compass has a printed paper dial incorporating "Trade Mark London" and " Made In ...
Brass
Antique English Brass Cased Compass c.1900
Located in Bath, GB
The case is made from brass with minor wear commensurate with age and use, professionally cleaned and polished.
Brass
Antique English Brass Cased Compass Reg. No. For 1903
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome cased late Victorian or Edwardian compass with hinged lid, the little button on the top used to open; just like a full hunter pocket watch.
Brass
Sold
H 8.67 in W 16.34 in D 13.78 in
Antique Surveyor's Theodolite, English, Brass Compass, Oak Case, Edwardian, 1910
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
Wonderfully complete and comprehensive surveyor's instrument set within a quality case Displays a desirable aged patina with light weathering commensurate with age Patinated brass ...
Brass
Unique Belgian Decorative Highboard with Compass Legs, 1950s
By De Coene Frères
Located in Antwerpen, VAN
Exceptional modernist cabinet produced in Belgium during the 1950s. The design of this piece is very decorative thanks to the beautiful compass legs and combination of woods used. Pl...
Brass
Sold
H 1.97 in W 1.97 in D 0.48 in
18th Century Gilt Brass and Silver Pocket or Miniature Sundial Compass with Case
Located in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
A Fine 18th century gilt brass and silver pocket sundial with Travelling case, c. 1750.
Silver, Brass
Antique English Cased Compass - Reg. 1900
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome cased late Victorian or Edwardian compass with hinged lid, the little button on the top used to open; just like a pocket watch.
Brass
Sold
H 0.87 in Dm 2.09 in
Brass Nautical Antiques Prismatic Bearing Compass UK 1916 Original Leather Case
Located in Milan, IT
Prismatic bearing compass made of brass; it is a small compass, signed F. Darton & Co London n. 50698 of 1916 model Verner’s Pattern named after the designer, Colonel William Willoug...
Brass
Antique English Brass Cased Floating Card Explorers Pocket Compass, circa 1880
Located in Bath, GB
A very attractive Victorian explorers compass dating to circa 1880. The floating card dial pivots on a bearing and is housed under a glass crystal which is clean and free from any...
Brass
Antique English Brass Cased Floating Card Explorers Pocket Compass c.1890
Located in Bath, GB
A very attractive Victorian explorers compass dating to around 1890. The floating card dial pivots on a bearing and is housed under a glass crystal which is clean and free from any ...
Brass
Sold
H 0.5 in Dm 1.63 in
Antique English Brass Cased Floating Card Explorers Pocket Compass, circa 1880
Located in Bath, GB
A very attractive Victorian explorers compass dating to circa 1880. The floating card dial pivots on a gemstone bearing and is housed under a glass crystal which is clean and free...
Brass
Sold
H 0.63 in Dm 2.38 in
Antique English Brass Cased Floating Card Explorers Pocket Compass, circa 1880
Located in Bath, GB
A very attractive Victorian explorers compass dating circa 1880. The floating card dial pivots on a gemstone bearing and is housed under a glass crystal which is clean and free fr...
Brass
Unpolished WWI Compass in Leather Case, 1918
Located in London, GB
In use it can be sited on to a point in the distance and the bearing from North read off the compass dial through a prismatic lens. The underside of the brass case is engraved with t...
Brass
Fine Brass Cased Pocket Compass by Short & Mason Ltd., London c.1910
By Short & Mason
Located in Bath, GB
A very fine English brass cased compass, professionally cleaned and polished restoring it to it's former glory.
Brass
Brass Compass Made in England in the Early 1900s with its Leather Case
Located in Milan, IT
Nautical pocket compass made of turned brass signed Lawrence & Mayo London from the early 1900s.
Brass
Sold
H 31 in W 46 in D 22 in
18th Century Georgian English Oak Coffer Mule Chest with a Compass Star Inlay
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
18th Century English Oak Coffer with a Compass Star Inlay. This were commonly referred to as Lancashire Mule Chest or Blanket Chest. Beautiful cross banded design and paneled front. ...
Brass
WWI British Military Sighting Compass with Original Leather Case
Located in Austin, TX
A working British military officer's marching or sighting compass of heavy brass with original leather case from World War I - known as a Barkers patent prismatic sighting compass.
Metal, Brass
Compass by Drexel Six-Drawer Campaign Dresser, Vintage, Mid-Century
By Drexel
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome vintage Mid-Century campaign style six-drawer dresser by Drexel from their Compass Collection. In wonderful condition circa 1960s with normal nicks and dings you would expec...
Brass
Sold
H 2.63 in W 2 in D 0.63 in
Antique English Compass in Case with White Enamel Dial; Georgian circa 1820
Located in Bath, GB
A charming early little compass with a gilded case and a perfect white enameled face or dial.
Brass
WWI Military Officer's Marching Compass, Cbynite Radium Compass
By J.H Steward
Located in Austin, TX
A working military officer's marching or sighting compass of heavy brass from World War One, an excellent original example of the Cbynite Radium Compass.
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 3.25 in W 1.75 in D 4.25 in
Antique English Military Short & Mason LTD Prismatic Compass in Case c. 1920-30
By Short & Mason
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English military Short & Mason LTD prismatic compass Mark V model, circa 1920-1930. In original leather case.
Brass
Antique English Brass Cased Compass c.1890
Located in Bath, GB
A smart late Victorian brass cased travelling compass with lid to protect the glass The compass has a printed paper dial incorporating "Trade Mark London"; the direction is indic...
Brass
Antique English Brass Cased Compass c.1900
Located in Bath, GB
The case is made from brass with minor wear commensurate with age and use, professionally cleaned and polished.
Brass
British Marching Compass of Brass with Leather Case
Located in Austin, TX
A working British military officer's marching or sighting compass of heavy brass in original leather case.
Metal, Brass
Brass Compass 1945 with Original Green Fabric Case
Located in Milan, IT
Bearing prismatic compass signed T.G. C. Ltd London N. B 311702 1945 MK III, used by officers of the English army during the second world war, complete with original green fabric cas...
Brass
Antique English Brass Cased Compass Reg. No. For 1903
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome cased late Victorian or Edwardian compass with hinged lid, the little button on the top used to open; just like a pocket watch.
Brass
Unusual Antique English Folding Compass In Brass Case c.1900
Located in Bath, GB
An unusual English compass which folds into it's own brass case. Marked "England" and dating to c.1900. 2" x 1 3/4" x 1/2".
Brass
Sold
H 2.13 in W 2 in D 0.57 in
WWI British Military Pocket Compass of Brass with Original Leather Case
Located in Austin, TX
A working British marching or sighting compass of brass with original leather case from World War I - made for military and civilian use.
Metal, Brass
Survey Compass, Brass with Leather Case, Signed Troughton & Simms Ltd
By Troughton & Simms London
Located in Milan, IT
Old survey compass, brass with leather case, signed Troughton & Simms Ltd London, early 1900.
British WWI Marching Compass with Leather Case
Located in Austin, TX
A working British military officer's marching or sighting compass of heavy brass in original leather case from World War I, with mother of pearl dial.
Metal, Brass
British WWI Marching Compass with Leather Case
Located in Austin, TX
A working British military marching compass of heavy brass in original leather case from World War I.
Brass
British WWI Marching Compass with Leather Case
Located in Austin, TX
A working British military officer's marching or sighting compass of heavy brass in original leather case from World War I.
Metal, Brass
British WWI Marching Compass with Leather Case
Located in Austin, TX
A working British military marching or sighting compass of heavy brass in original leather case from World War I.
Brass, Metal
Sold
H 4 in W 12 in D 8 in
Antique English London-Made Brass Surveying Compass in Original Case, circa 1880
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Lond-made brass surveying compass in original case, circa 1880.
Brass
Brass Compass with Leather Case Made in 1916 Supplied to English Officers
Located in Milan, IT
Prismatic bearing compass, a small compass complete with original leather case, signed E.R. Watts & Son No. 118196 of 1916 Verner’s Pattern VIII model, supplied to English officers. ...
Brass
Sold
H 0.75 in Dm 2.75 in
English Made Brass Cased Explorers Compass for Peter Orr, Madras, circa 1880
Located in Bath, GB
Complete in it's brass case and lid and incorporates a transit lock activated when the lid is in place, the compass is protected with an undamaged crystal cover.
Brass
British WWI Marching Compass with Leather Case by Negretti and Zambra
By Negretti & Zambra
Located in Austin, TX
A working British military officer's marching or sighting compass of heavy brass in original leather case from World War I, with mother of pearl dial.
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 0.75 in W 2.25 in D 3.25 in
British WWI Marching Compass with Leather Case by Negretti and Zambra, London
By Negretti & Zambra
Located in Austin, TX
A working British military officer's marching or sighting compass of heavy brass in original leather case from World War I, with mother of pearl dial.
Metal, Brass
British WWI Marching Compass with Leather Case by Frances Barker
By Frances Barker & Son
Located in Austin, TX
A working World War I era British military officer's marching or sighting compass of heavy ebonized brass in original leather case.
Metal, Brass
Sold
H 1.5 in W 2.63 in D 3.5 in
Antique English Negretti & Zambra Pocket Compass in Original Case, c. 1920-1930
By Negretti & Zambra
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English Negretti & Zambra pocket compass in original leather case, circa 1920-1930. Made in London, England.
Brass
Sold
H 2.5 in W 1.63 in D 0.5 in
Antique English Compass In Case With White Enamel Dial; Georgian C.1820
Located in Bath, GB
A charming early little compass with a polished brass case and a perfect white enamelled face or dial.
Brass
Sold
H 1.25 in W 2.5 in D 3.5 in
WWI 1917 British Army Officer's Compass, Verner's Patent by French Ltd.
Located in Bath, GB
Both the brass compass cover and the leather case are marked with the British Army Officer's name "Beckett" and RGA for the Royal Garrison Artillery.
Brass
Cased Brass Brunton Compass by Thos.J.Evans, London
Located in Worcester, Worcestershire
Period 20th century Maker Thos.J.Evans, London Case dimensions 11.5 x 10 x 6.5 cm Condition: Good condition commensurate with age Brass Brunton style compass by Thos.J....
Antique George III Secretary with Bookcase c. Late 18th Century
Located in Westfield, MA
This late 18th century George III secretary with bookcase is a handsome and versatile piece of English furniture. Crafted from richly figured mahogany, it features a fall front desk ...
Mahogany
Antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities can bring whimsy and wonder to any interior.
Decorating with old scientific instruments, historical memorabilia and vintage musical instruments, as well as other authentic collectibles and curiosities that can be found on 1stDibs, presents an opportunity to create a unique, natural history museum-like atmosphere in your home that can provoke conversation as often as it pays tribute to how far we’ve come in understanding our world.
And bringing collectibles and curiosities into your space is actually on trend — Wunderkammern, or curiosity cabinets, were all the rage in Europe during the 1500s and continued to have adherents there and in the U.S. in the following centuries. Today, however, they’re experiencing a real surge in popularity and influencing how many interior designers are furnishing and decorating homes — combining contemporary with antique, scientific with tribal, earthly with extraterrestrial, Les Lalanne tables with Flemish tapestries.
The original Wunderkammern were entire rooms filled with objects demonstrating their owners’ worldly knowledge: A proper one included artificiala or preciosa (objets d’art); naturalia (such as skeletons, shells, minerals); exotica (taxidermy or dried plants); and scientifica (scientific instruments), frequently alongside religious relics and ancient artifacts.
Pay tribute to a history of rich and diverse musical traditions that have taken shape all over the world by decorating your home with a collection of antique and vintage musical instruments — with a little help from strong hanging wire or some wall hooks, vintage brass instruments such as a gong, French horn or trumpet can help elevate a home office or complement the efforts you’ve made to ensure a welcoming vibe in your home’s entryway. Bells or antique wind instruments can add provocative metallic contrasts to dark woods as tabletop decorative objects.
Create an intriguing focal point with Georgian scientific instruments, such as stick barometers with mahogany cases or lacquered brass telescopes. These items stem from an era named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who ruled England in succession starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign, which lasted until 1837). Just as there was beautiful jewelry produced during the period that today is coveted by collectors, there is much to be found in the collectibles and curiosities realm too.
Wanderlust, nostalgia and a shared love of good design are contributing factors to certain trends in decorating — just as vintage trunks and luggage have reappeared as furniture or home accents in a bedroom or foyer, decorating with globes, maps or nautical objects is similarly rooted in the allure of travel and a penchant for the stylish finishing touch that collectibles bring to our homes.
Find a wide range of antique and vintage collectibles and curiosities on 1stDibs.
It's hard to resist the allure of a beautiful pool. So, go ahead and daydream about whiling away your summer in paradise.
It’s never too early for good design. These interiors combine elevated furnishings and a youthful spirit, resulting in spaces that are at once elegant and whimsical.
Produced in 1843, the well-preserved volume is evidence of the author's exacting specifications.
New or old, the coverlets add old-time charm to any space.
Get into the games! These items celebrate the events, athletes, host countries and sporting spirit.
French trendsetter and serial collector Daniel Rozensztroch tells us about his obsession with objects related to seafaring men.
The sought-after designer worked with the team at Hoffman Creative to produce a monograph that beautifully showcases some of Studio Shamshiri's most inspiring projects.
Italian writer and collector Umberto Pasti opens the doors to his remarkable cave of wonders in North Africa.