Whether you’re a maritime history buff or a collector of "everyday carry" gear, buying an antique compass is a rewarding way to own a piece of navigational history. 1. Identify Your Style
Real age shows as a thin, dark oxidation. Modern reproductions often use a "brownish" chemical wash that looks uniform and smudgy.
Look for a maker's name (e.g., Stanley London , T. Cooke , or Short & Mason ) and a serial number. "London 1917" stamped into shiny brass is a common red flag for modern fakes.
The market is flooded with "reproduction" items that are artificially aged.
Larger, often housed in wood boxes or brass gimbals (swivel mounts) to stay level on a tossing ship.
Best for "the hunt," but bring a magnifying glass and a magnet (to test if the body is solid brass or just plated steel).
Designed for heavy-duty sighting and map work; these often feature sighting wires and magnification lenses. 2. Verify Authenticity