Antique English Military Compass Elliott Bros. London, 1906

Antique English Elliott Bros military compass, made in London in 1906 and in perfect working order. This compass is a real museum or collectors piece: entirely original from the time, it is signed and numbered and works really fine. It is a small and accurate orientation device with brass casing and foldable side plates; one of them is longer and contains a tightened red thread in the center used to set the direction. Engraved at the casings base we can see the serial number 454 and the companys name, ELLIOTT BROS LONDON. In order to protect the dial, the compass includes a brass lid that fits perfectly with the item. This piece is accompanied by its original leather case, with the same serial number as the compass and the manufacturing year (1906) clearly engraved in the surface, perfectly legible. The case preserves the original seams in good condition; the leather itself and the inner red-fabric lining are equally well-preserved. Perfect for any passionate for military antiques and navigation tools, this antique Elliott Bros military compass preserves all its charm and authenticity, being also fully operational. Measurements: Diameter: 3 in / 7.5 cm.Elliott brothers History William Elliott was born in London in 1780-81 and by 1795 he was already working as an apprentice in William Backwells worshop, a compass and drawing instrument maker. It is believed that William established his first business in 1804 under his own name, William Elliott. It was the beginning of the Elliott Brothers companys history, a history of corporate and commercial success. Elliott made drawing instruments and mathematical scales, many of which have survived to our days. He defined himself as a mathematical, optical and philosophical instrument maker. He had two sons in his third marriage, Frederick Henry and Charles Alfred, who entered the business too the company changed its name to William Elliott & Sons. After Williams death in 1853 the business passed to his sons, who made it grow and increased its prestige. Soon the company was producing every kind of optical, surveying, navigational and philosophical instruments for home and overseas customers. In 1854 the company was already known as Elliott Bros; soon they started manufacturing electric instruments and devices. In the 1870s both brothers died and the company passed to Susan, Fredericks widow. It kept on being a family business until 1967, when it was acquired by the English Electric after a period of economic hardship.