North America, United States, New York, World War II era, ca. 1944 CE. This is a large nautical gimbal brass compass by the Lionel Corporation that has been turned into a functional side or coffee table. The table is made from a sturdy dark wood that rests on a ring base and four balustrade legs support the hefty compass- the instrument by itself is likely around 25lb. The compass is comprised of several brass rings and a pivoting compass bowl suspended in the center that contains the cardinal directions and numbered degrees and water to stabilize the device. The bowl is covered in a flat glass panel, and the rim of the brass gauge is stamped with "CATALOG NO. 712 STANDARD NO. 1 - 1944 THE LIONEL CORPORATION N.Y." The gimbal pivot enabled the compass to stay level as the ship moved over rough surf. The gimbal support brackets are sent into the lip of the wood, and all is covered with a glass table cover. This compass was then taken from the ship when decommissioned and made into a usable table! Size: 18" Diameter x 16.75" H (45.7 cm x 42.5 cm)

The Lionel Corporation was founded in 1900 and was America's most renowned model train and electrical toy novelties manufacturer. In 1942 they halted most toy production and began to produce nautical equipment for the United States navy to aid in the World War II war efforts until 1945.

Provenance: private Lumberton, Texas, USA collection, acquired before 2010

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#169507

A section of the molding on the ring base is cracked and slightly loose but could be easily repaired with adhesive. Minor discoloration and cloudiness to compass cardinal compass card, but cardinal directions and markings are still clear. Air bubbles in the compass face. Stable pressure fissures on wood, and some minor scuffs and nicks. Please note that the gimbal compass still articulates on the pivots and knocks against the tabletop glass when moved.