An antique compass is perhaps one of the most useful decorative items on the market today. The antique compass is a great item that is both decorative and has many practical uses. Antique compasses are one of the smallest decorative nautical items. An antique compass is generally kept in a slightly used, healthy condition. Those who look to buy these items should know that these compasses will most probably have scratches. The luster of an antique compass will always be present, however, due to the metal’s natural resistance to rust.
Most antique compasses will be made from various metals, with the most popular being both bronze and brass. Many metal workers made their compasses from these metals because they resisted the ocean’s corrosive salt spray. Silver could also be used, especially in the case of compasses used in the mountains. Silver, unlike brass and bronze, has germ-resistant properties. When a strike was needed to light fires in a wilderness setting, the silver of a compass could be used as well. In this manner, silver compasses were more fitted for mountain or general use, and bronze and brass were more suited to maritime use. Both of these metals withstand age, and as such many an antique compass is in good condition.
An antique compass is traditionally smaller than the ones made in this modern era for tropical home decor. Because magnetic ore and glass were harder to come by in these times, compass makers made were forced to make their finished products smaller, thus reducing their overall size. Compasses were not often cheaper just because they were smaller, however. While in their early days they were very expensive, the knowledge of how to make compasses spread, and the prices shrunk due to the increasing competition. It was a captain’s duty to pass down their trusted compass to their first mate when the time came for retirement. These gift compasses were usually made from brass with expensive accents. In families where maritime activities were part of the family business, fathers would bestow compasses to their sons. If you are so lucky to buy an antique compass of this sort, initials embossed onto the back will be the true indication of the compass’s age.
With its rustic charm, an antique compass is responsible for integrating a bit more historical flavor and authenticity to a room. Maintaining a compass involves a little bit of oil and a lot of polishing effort, but the end result is well worth the time and attention.