Compass By Froment, Imperial Marine, C. 1860

Dry compass, mounted on a gimbal. The 64-pointed compass rose is graduated in degrees in 90° quarter circles. Cardinal and intercardinal points are indicated. North is marked by an imperial crown placed on a marine anchor, surmounted by the North Star. A compass of very high quality and precision. It features a locking system for the compass and the gimbal mount. The compass is complete with its lighting system, which is often missing. Froment's signature is on the rim of the compass and on the wooden base, which bears the number 409. The Imperial Navy stamp, bearing the number 485, is also on the rim of the compass. In very good condition. A rare compass by one of the most ingenious French inventors of the mid-19th century, and in very fine condition. 24 x 24 x 21 cm.