PRESENTED is an interesting antique compass made by the American instrument maker, D. Baker of Boston. It has been mounted in an elaborate presentation, suspended between the vintage, brass, dolphins, which are cast in a style reminiscent of the U.S. Navy Submarine Officer's Warfare device of WW II. It may be displayed as a focal point in many settings.

 

The Dolphins used with this display have only been seen once before with a WW II U.S. Navy pelorus displayed in the same fashion as shown below. This was sold two years ago. We again re-searched all possible sources for the genesis of the dolphins, and have not been successful. 

 

Previous dolphins found with WW II Pelorus display

 

THE COMPASS is an old paper card compass. It is solidly made and housed in a glazed, heavy brass case with weight at the bottom. The engraved paper card has an unusual geometric design as its North pointer over a circular cartouche. It is signed around the center "D. BAKER, BOSTON" and Pat'd 1874 & 1875. The card is divided  into eight Cardinal Points, each of 45 degrees, and then into 1/8 and 1/16th points. Each point subtends an arc of 11 1/4 degrees comprising in total 360 degrees of the compass. It rests on a brass pivot with a cap. The compass is in good condition, 7" inches in diameter, and works properly.

MARKINGS: Pictured above, The number 3157 on the edge of the bezel matches the number on the bowl and gimbal ring as shown in the photo. The black arrow points to one of the small holes, both of the same size which have been filled and colored to match. See Condition Report below.

Originally, it would have been mounted in a box, on a pedestal on the vessel's bridge wings or housed in a binnacle. There are some minor tears in the paper, and a patch of paper is missing on the disk upon which the imprint rests.

COMPASS' MAKER: Baker was born in New Bedford, MA in 1792. Baker is listed in Webster's and also in the Whaleman's list which shows he was a dealer in nautical instruments. Later, he worked with a partner, Thomas Hooper at 54 Ann St., in Boston, MA.

The paper compass card of D. Baker, Pat dated 1874 & 1875

PROVENANCE: The compass, two dolphins, and wood panel to which they are mounted were acquired by us from different sources over a period of years, and assembled in our shop.

CONDITION: The stand has three screw holes drilled through the base which have been filled and painted. The arrow in the photo points to the largest of the three. There also is one scratch in the edge on each side. In addition, the adjustable screws holding compass in gimbal do not recess fully. Ten out of sixteen screws holding the bezel to the bowl are missing. These can not be seen, and everything is secure. The compass card's paint is faded. There are the usual minor marks of age. The compass has been recently polished and lacquered. Considering its service and use at sea, the compass is in very good, usable, condition and is of high quality. 

FOR MORE PHOTOS SEE GALLERY BELOW

DIMENSIONS COMPASS:

Diameter of outer ring                 8 1/4 inches
Diameter of compass card            7 inches
Minimum height on stand             12 7/8" inches
Weight                                            21 Lbs 

DIMENSIONS DOLPHINS: 11 1/2" H x 5 1/4" W x 2 1/2" D
DIMENSIONS OF BASE:  27" W x 10 1/4" D x 7/8" H

SHIPPING & PACKING is an additional charge to the buyer and will be determined at the time of purchase.

OUR UNCONDITIONAL NO NONSENSE GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned within five days of receipt in its original packaging if without damage. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization from us for the return is required. Shipping charges are  included in this offer if an error is due to our fault.

International buyers welcome, but should inquire first.  We have satisfied customers in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.

ACCEPTED FORMS OF PAYMENT are Bank wire transfer, cashier's check, money order, or personal check in which case the item will be held until cleared. No credit cards or PayPal accepted on this item.

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