English, c.1880, engraved 'E. DENT & Co LONDON NO44281, No.26' the 6.25" card also signed DENT, in its original French polished mahogany case with instructions to inside of the lid, case impressed with military arrow and No.562 PATT 24, complete with original sighting stylus, funnel to top up liquid filling, and leather carry strap, case 26cm wide

Note: The Dent Pattern 24 compass, originating circa 1890/1900, it marked a pivotal moment in naval navigation history in that it was the first liquid compass model to earn official adoption as a service compass by the Royal Navy. it was first used aboard the torpedo boats of its era, signifying a departure from the longstanding dominance of the Kelvin dry card compass. This transition marked a significant shift, breaking the monopoly that the Kelvin compass had maintained for many years prior.