A good quality antique - believed late 19th Century - brass miner's/surveying dial, the silvered compass signed "J Casartelli, Manchester", together with the original fitted mahogany case and oak and brass-bound tripod. Giuseppe Louis Casartelli (later anglicising his name to Joseph) was a renowned Italian born maker of scientific instruments who set up in business in Manchester in the early 1850s. Casartelli died in 1900, after which the business continued to trade under the name of Casartelli and Son.

This particular instrument survives in excellent, original and unrestored condition with a well-preserved 5" silvered compass dial, inclinometer and original fitted mahogany case. It measures 30cm wide and stands 20cm high, 1.2m when mounted to its original tripod stand. The later is inscribed 'QH1' possibly referring to Quaking House Colliery in County Durham in the North East of England, close to where this instrument was sourced. The fitted case bears a 1953 service label for Casartelli, though this instrument is undoubtedly much earlier.

Condition: The instrument is in excellent original condition, the brasswork still protected by its original lacquer. The compass dial is in very good condition. The compass needle operates correctly, as does its locking mechanism for safe transit. Both siting wires are detached. The glass is in good condition. Both spirit levels are intact. The brass protective cover plate is present. The fitted mahogany case has the expected age-related wear, cleaned and lightly waxed yet retaining a good degree of patina. The original leather strap is in good order. The original maker's plate and a later service label are present, also numerous earlier labels with wear and now illegible. The tripod is in very good condition, possibly refinished at some time.