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LIETZ (A. Lietz Co.) was a US compass manufacturer founded by Adolph Lietz. He was born in Leubeck, Germany in 1860 and immigrated to San Francisco in 1879.  Lietz began his own business in 1882 and firm incorporated in 1892 under the name "The A. Lietz Company". In 1947, after 65 years of production, the firm discontinued the manufacturing of surveying instruments. The liquid nautical compass is a design in which the magnetized needle or card is damped by fluid to protect against excessive swing or wobble, improving readability while reducing wear. Protected in a binnacle and normally gimbal-mounted, the liquid inside the compass housing effectively damped shock and vibration, while eliminating excessive swing and grounding of the card caused by the pitch and roll of the vessel.  This is an Antique Liquid Nautical Brass and Copper Compass made by A. Lietz Company of San Francisco, CA circa 1892 to 1940s.  The outer brass ring on the antique brass compass has two notches that sit into the gimbal and hold the compass in the binnacle.  The outer ring has two eyelets that attached to the antique nautical compass. The bottom of the compass is insulated by a copper lined plate.   The inside of the compass has a card numbered 0 to 360 degrees and is filled with liquid.  In the photos there is a line that looks like a crack in the glass when actually it is line in the liquid.  The top of the compass is thick glass attached by screws. This Antique Compass is a Rare Find in this condition.  The Antique Glass cover over the Antique Compass is clear and in excellent condition.  The inside measurement of the antique compass have an aged appropriate patina.  This is a museum quality antique compass.  There is a wonderful antique museum that houses nautical treasures in Norfolf, Virginia.  The Antique Compass is extremely heavy.  The Antique Nautical Compass measures side to side 14 inches, 5 ½ inches in height.   This Antique Nautical Compass is a  fabulous Antique Americana Nautical Treasure!   NOTE:  If you love Americana Antiques put us on your Best Sellers List as we list and post antiques nearly Every Evening.   Please Note:  We calculate our Shipping Fees for our Sister State of California, no exceptions, no refunds.  THIS IS AN OLD FASHIONED AUCTION AND THE HIGHEST BIDDER GETS IT SO BID WITH CONFIDENCE OFTEN AND EARLY and as Always we have a No Return Policy.