C. Plath Nautical Compass, 1930s

Fantastic German Nautical Compass Manufactured by C. Plath in the 1930s. Exquisitely Beautiful and in Working Order

This beautiful nautical compass is a highly decorative piece that also functions perfectly. It was manufactured in Germany in the 1930s. The compass bears the mark of C. Plath, a German company dedicated to the manufacture of research and measuring instruments. The compass is in excellent condition and works perfectly, retaining all its original parts. The device itself is made of gilded brass and glass, and is stored and protected in a beautiful solid tropical wood box adorned and reinforced with brass hardware.

On the compass dial-which is white with the cardinal points and degrees printed in black-we can see the manufacturer's logo and name: C. PLATH - HAMBURG - GERMANY.

The brand's history dates back to 1837, when David Filby founded a store in Hamburg, Germany, where he sold nautical charts, books, and sextants that he imported from England. Meanwhile, in 1857, Carl Christian Plath opened a business manufacturing measuring instruments, and in 1863 he purchased Filby's prestigious establishment. From then on, Plath devoted himself to the production of nautical instruments: sextants, barometers, magnetic compasses... Throughout the 20th century, the C. Plath brand passed through various heirs and underwent various changes until the present day, when it is part of the Northrop Grumman Corporation.

The compass shown in the photos is a fine example of the high quality and beautiful design of C. Plath products. The case housing the instrument stands out for the exquisite grain of the solid wood from which it is crafted, featuring a rich reddish-brown hue interspersed with darker streaks. The lid features a beveled frame and a recessed central plate in gilded brass, on which the manufacturer's name is engraved. The corners of the case are also reinforced with brass corner pieces.

Dimensions: Width: 15 cm. Depth: 15 cm.