Vincent & Charles Chevalier Mining Compasses, C. 1825

Uncommon form of mining or miner's compass signed "Vincent et C. Chevalier / Quai de l'horloge n° 69 à Paris". All instruments signed by Vincent and Charles Chevalier, i.e. father and son Chevalier, are quite rare. As the collaboration lasted only a few years, we can date the instrument between 1821 and 1832. This form of mining compass is very unusual in the production of French mining instruments. It is neither a miner's pocket compass nor a compass similar to the older compasses of the 18th century. This transitional form can be considered a precursor form of the mining compass developed by John Hedley and manufactured by John Davis & Son around 1850 (see the last image showing an example of this particular form of compass). This model of gimbal mining compass by Chevalier père et fils does not seem to have any continuity in French production. We could not find any similar examples in the later catalogues of Buron, Secretan or Morin. The compass, like the miner's pockets, can also be used suspended on a rope. Size: 15.3 cm in diameter and 19 cm in height. The condition is excellent.