Lot 152
  • 152

Unsigned

Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 CHF
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Description

  • A VERY RARE GOLD AND ENAMEL COMPASS MADE FOR THE TURKISH MARKET CIRCA 1830
  • diameter 41 mm.
• white enamel dial with Arabic inscriptions for the directions • case fully decorated with floral pattern to the bezel and soft enamel on the back depicting a bouquet of flowers • magnetic hand ruby set in the centre of 16 point compass rose

Condition

Case back restored with soft enamel. Bezel with gold and enamel in good condition. Dial with a slight chip to the edge, not visible with the bezel top. Magnetic hand moving. Overall this present example is very are and interesting example from that period, one of the very few surviving examples of gold and enamel compass made especially for the Turkish market.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Catalogue Note

The magnetic compass is an old Chinese invention, probably first made in China during the Qin dynasty (221-206 B.C.). The first instruments used lodestones to point out real directions, it is only in 8th century A.D., again in China, that magnetized needles were also used as a navigational device.

While the compass first appeared in China, it was also an instrument used in the Islamic world and is mentioned in a Persian tale book from 1232.The earliest reference to a compass comes from the Yemeni sultan and astronomer Al-Ashraf in 1282. He appears to be the first to make use of the compass for astronomical purposes. In the 14th century, Arab navigators introduced the compass rose as common device.