Rare brass-cased Floating-card Nautical Compass, circa 1810 - 1850

Being offered Is a rare brass mariners or explorers nautical pattern compass. It has a diameter of 3 ¼” and sits 1 ½” high.  Not uncommon, but there are no manufacturing marks visible.

This type of device is known as a floating card compass (or dry-card compass), and while it appears "needle-less," it actually functions using magnets hidden beneath the visible dial. Instead of a traditional needle pointing to a fixed card, the magnets are attached to the underside of the entire circular card, which is balanced on a central pivot. It shows a fleur-de-lys to the North.

Although no country of origin is visible, this style was made by both “Spencer & Co.”, London and "R. Merrill, New York". This construction was specifically engineered for maritime environments where a standard needle compass would be impractical. No doubt, an instrument like this would have been used from the War of 1812 through the Civil War.

This is a very good example of a compass used on boats and ships. It is rare to find both upper and lower parts to the outer case – most of them are missing the lid. The uncleaned case is slightly worn though essentially undamaged condition, the card remains crisp, very easily finding the north mark.