Victorian Compass Fob with Anchor

An unusual, working, Victorian-era compass fob, modeled in 14k yellow gold. This wonderful old compass features an ornate face, with a silvery, star-like center; its cardinal and inter-cardinal directions are hand-painted on the compass's gold rim, in blue, and these blue letters are separated by red "by" marks. The compass's needle is iridescent navy blue— it flashes with activity. The fob's compass works are held under a weighty, beveled-edge crystal. Its reverse is decorated with a lovely, applied (raised) anchor. This fob hangs from a large jump ring. These old compasses make a beautiful, sentimental statement that hovers around the idea of finding your way . . . perhaps this way is into the future, and perhaps it is the way home. We like this old darling worn on a long chain. It layers well with other meaningful pieces.

Materials

14k gold
Crystal
Pigment
Compass works

Age

c. 1890

Dimensions

Compass measures approx 20.8 mm (just over 4/5"); total drop is approx 28.8 mm (about 1 1/8").

Notes

The patina and texture, seen on the gold rim of the compass face in these photos, is not visible at all to the un-aided eye.