Compasses

Welcome to my compass collection.

I have a small but growing collection of compasses, specializing in survey, scouting and military compasses.  Some are modern, many are vintage or antique. These pages are under constant construction and not all of the compasses in my collection have been photographed as of yet. Check back as I am putting them up here as quickly as I can.

If you like what you see, and want to buy some old compasses yourself, I have two suggestions: 1) Stay off eBay until you know your way around the antique/vintage compass market.  A good percentage of the compasses sold as ‘vintage’ or ‘antique’ there are modern reproductions, and it takes a practiced eye to tell the difference. 2) Buy from a reputable dealer such as Oregon Trail Mercantile.  Their prices are fair, and their customer service is great!  “But wait!” you say?  “Can’t I get great prices on eBay?” Well, the answer is yes, but you can also get royally ripped off. Consider this auction for a Keuffel & Esser survey compass.  Then compare that item, which sold for $1350 with this item from Oregon Trail Mercantile for $150. So somebody paid too much.  OTM won’t rip you off.  Period.

Please, be sure to look at the Warning page.  It contains important information about potential hazardous materials found in some vintage compasses.