I am not in the least an expert on compasses, but I spotted this one in a case and it struck me as quite a fine and very handsome one. And since bringing it home, I have found exactly one match of it out there, that one with a pedigree: from the French Imperial Collection, with the seller, who appears to have a fair bit of knowledge, stating likely owned by Emperor Napoleon III. (The 4973 tag on the compass corresponds to the same numbered tag on a sword owned by Napoléon III.) Anyway, this one has no such tag, but indeed is French, late 19th century I believe. There is a needle lock on the left side, which keeps it the blue and silver needle from moving while in one's pocket, etc.; once released it appears to work perfectly. Engraved dial marked with cardinals and intercardinals, outer edge displaying the range 0°-360°, and a large bearing arrow fixed to the back plate of the compass, which turns smoothly with a bit of pressure. And while I rely on GPS to get me pretty much everywhere, seems to me a fine compass is a very good thing to have, even if only to appreciate aesthetically and conceptually!
2 1/16" diameter (not including loop) x 3/8" deep. Good condition, seems to work exactly as it should. A little oxidation to to the engraved dial as shown.
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