Hi Noe,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Compasses were housed in wood cases for a mix of practical, scientific, and social reasons — especially from the 18th through early 20th centuries. Surveyors, mariners, engineers, and military officers relied on precision instruments. Wood cases protected delicate glass faces, shielded jeweled pivots, reduced shock during transport and prevented dust intrusion.

Hardwoods like mahogany, walnut, or rosewood were common because they resisted warping. The design on the lid is probably applied using the lithograph process, which was developed in 1795 in Germany. It depicts a map reproduction of the "Nova Totius Terrarum Orbis Geographica Ac Hydrographica Tabula", which was originally created by Henricus Hondius in the 17th century.

I haven't been able to find any exactly similar compasses, and without marks on the compass or box to identify a maker, it will have a lower value than those with an identified maker. Having said that, other cased compasses of 19th Century origin and of similar size have been selling at auction for prices ranging from $150-250.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique cased compass
American or European, 19th Century
The hinged folding case with a lithographed terrestrial map on the cover and opening to a lithographed interior inset with a compass, with brass latches. Unmarked.
4-1/2 by 2-1/2 by 1 inches
CONDITION: This appears to be in good age-appropriate condition
PROVENANCE: Acquired at a garage/yard sale
$ 150-250*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia