Antique Beam Compass. Military Use. England, Circa 1900

Fine attractive beam compass in really good condition, coming from in England and dated circa 1900. This is a model II compass made of solid mahogany wood and for military use. It is very well preserved and remains in working order, with all its original component parts and pieces (including a complete set of tips). The only part that has been replaced is one of the fixing screws: though it is not the original one, it does not stand out and makes it possible to use the compass just like when it was complete. These compasses were used to draw and dividing circles larger than those made by regular compasses, especially in carpentry works. The storing case is a fine solid-mahogany wooden box with a French-polish outer finish. At the top it bears this engraved inscription: COMPASSES BEAM 26 MK II. The two arrows pointing up tell us that the compass was for military use. Probably this was originally a tool for civilian use which was assigned to the English army. For its great quality and efficient design, this antique beam compass deserves a special place in a collection of topography, engineering or war-related antiques. Measurements: Length (Case): 28 in / 71 cm.