{"product_id":"antique-polaris-marine-ship-compass-in-slip-lid-box-chesapeake-bay","title":"Antique Polaris Marine Ship Compass in Slip-Lid Box, Chesapeake Bay","description":"\u003cdiv\u003eAn authentic \u003cstrong\u003eantique Polaris liquid-filled maritime deck compass\u003c\/strong\u003e, complete with its original, rare lift-off \"slip-lid\" wooden storage box. Dating from the early 20th century, this instrument is a phenomenal piece of seafaring history.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRARE HISTORICAL PROVENANCE \u0026amp; CHESAPEAKE BAY HERITAGE:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis compass was \u003cstrong\u003eattained directly from an old Chesapeake Bay maritime estate\u003c\/strong\u003e. What makes it a true collector's heirloom is the \u003cstrong\u003eoriginal hand-written pencil log inside the lid\u003c\/strong\u003e. Following a classic maritime tradition, the captains or navigators tracked this instrument's active service life by logging the vessels it guided. It features a faded, faint graphite list tracking a total of \u003cstrong\u003e13 different boats\/ships!\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eNote: While the compass was sourced from a historic Chesapeake Bay estate, there is no absolute guarantee that all 13 listed ships originated from the local area, as these instruments frequently traveled with captains or swapped hands across different waters. \u003c\/em\u003eThis amazing record provides a fascinating, rewarding research project for any maritime history or naval enthusiast!\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Features \u0026amp; Details:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthentic Dial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Features the iconic Polaris \u003cstrong\u003efleur-de-lis logo\u003c\/strong\u003e stamped cleanly under the 0° North mark, with the classic \u003cstrong\u003e\"M.C. CO.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e (Marine Compass Co. of Pembroke, MA) marking at the South position.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGimbal Stabilization System:\u003c\/strong\u003e The compass is nested in its original brass gimbal rings, designed to keep the dial level and steady against the rolling of the sea.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompact Deck Box Dimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Measures exactly \u003cstrong\u003e7.25\" x 7.25\" x 4.5\"\u003c\/strong\u003e. This standard, highly portable size was heavily preferred for smaller commercial fishing boats, tugs, or pilot houses.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnique Lift-Off Lid:\u003c\/strong\u003e Unlike standard hinged boxes, this features the classic \"slip-lid\" design secured by two original side hooks, purpose-built for tight wheelhouses where swinging lids blocked equipment visibility.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition Report:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is an authentic, unrestored vintage maritime antique with a beautiful, rich wood patina. The brass and glass housing are intact. The interior lid features irreplaceable historic pencil signatures which have softened with age. The exterior wood shows minor wear consistent with life at sea, including a tiny bit of vintage paint splatter on one side which adds to its authentic, working-class maritime character. \u003cem\u003ePlease study the high-resolution photos carefully to evaluate the condition for yourself.\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Vendor Purchase","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50540381438171,"sku":"3408597870971","price":165.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0258\/9812\/3369\/files\/Untitleddesign-2026-09-30T130428.609.jpg?v=1790787907","url":"https:\/\/goodmansantiques.com\/products\/antique-polaris-marine-ship-compass-in-slip-lid-box-chesapeake-bay","provider":"Goodman's Antiques \u0026 Estate Jewelry","version":"1.0","type":"link"}