Antique pocket compass, J.Kohn, Santiago

Item Description:

• Type: Pocket compass with rotatable face and hinged lid
• Maker: J. Kohn, Santiago, Chile
• Estimated Origin: Southern Hemisphere-specific magnetic calibration, likely Chile
• Period: Mid to late 19th century (circa 1850–1900)
• Material: Appears to be gunmetal (a corrosion-resistant bronze alloy) or nickel-plated brass
• Dial Features:
  • Rotating bezel with marked cardinal directions and degrees
  • Internal rim calibration scale, suggesting capability for magnetic declination correction
  • Southern Hemisphere dip adjustment—needle appears weighted accordingly
• Size: Approx. 4 cm diameter
• Condition: Good, with visible signs of age but intact needle, hinge, and clear maker's inscription

Historical Context & Authentication:

The inscription “J. KOHN – Santiago” likely refers to a 19th-century Chilean optician or scientific instrument maker. While specific historical records on Kohn are limited, it was common during this period for local instrument retailers or makers in South America to source parts from Europe (especially England or France) and brand them locally.

The compass was clearly designed for use in the Southern Hemisphere, based on:

• Weighted needle (to counteract magnetic dip)
• Manufacturer location
• Presence of variation adjustment scale, which allowed navigators to manually correct for magnetic declination based on local charts.

This was a valuable feature for maritime navigation, and the compass’s portability suggests it was used by a ship officer, engineer, or explorer.

Condition & Rarity:

• Functional: Appears to retain working parts (hinge, rotating dial, needle) though operational accuracy would need verification.
• Wear: Typical of age; case shows oxidation/pitting but no structural damage.
• Rarity: Moderate. Southern Hemisphere-specific compasses from the 1800s are less common than Northern Hemisphere types, especially with clear provenance or location stamps like “Santiago.”

Estimated Value (as of 2025):

Sales Venue

Value (USD)

Auction (General)

$150 – $300

Antique Nautical Dealer

$250 – $400

Private Collector (Maritime/Navigational)

Up to $500+ if provenance and functionality are confirmed

Factors like original box, documentation, or confirmed connection to a historical ship/officer would increase value further.

Recommendation:

✔ Professional appraisal suggested if:

• You wish to insure or formally document the item
• You consider eventual sale through a specialist nautical antiques dealer
• You want to assess material composition (e.g., confirmation of gunmetal alloy)

Appraiser types to consult:

• Maritime antiques specialists
• Horological or scientific instrument appraisers
• Museums or auction houses like Bonhams, Skinner, or Charles Miller Ltd. (UK)

Summary:

This antique pocket compass marked J. Kohn, Santiago, is a historically significant and likely mid-to-late 19th-century maritime navigational instrument, rare for its Southern Hemisphere calibration and origin. While it shows wear consistent with age, it remains in good collectible condition. It represents a valuable piece of nautical history, especially with its likely sailor/explorer provenance tied to South America.