Very Large & Unusual Antique Surveying Compass c.1850

An imposing early Victorian surveying compass with sighting vanes and spirit level in mahogany case c.1850. Surveying compass having 5" silvered dial displaying cardinals and intercardinals, decorated centre, and outer silvered stepped azimuth ring with a scale 0-360° divided to 1°, silvered reflector ring. Fine steel bar needle on jewelled suspension under flat glass retained in brass bezel. Transit lock, three tripod fixing points. Contained within a substantial polished mahogany transit case with sighting vanes and spirit level to side, the inner lid with green velvet lined cut out to contain these. The verso with matching tripod fixing points. Sliding brass hinges to allow the lid to be removed, twin swinging catches. Condition: The silvered dial and azimuth ring showing signs of ageing but otherwise in good condition, the polished needle winging freely and finding north easily, the transit lock working correctly. The glass damage free. The sighting vanes with fine blued wire, the spirit level intact. The mahogany case with marks and wear commensurate with age and use, the velvet with wear and some marks. Comments: Although it is not uncommon to find mid-19th century surveying compasses with sighting vanes and/or with spirit levels, we have not been able to find another example with this particular arrangement. Given this, its very significant size - 5" diameter surveying compasses are indeed rare, and its condition, this is definitely one for the collector.