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Finds and Interests
I look forward to seeing some of the more distinctive items that have gone under the hammer at auctions held by our WorthPoint Industry Partners. Our Price Guide updates daily, and while thousands of items stream in, I always try to highlight a few of my favorites to share with our followers. I like to pick ones with a good story behind them, because sharing my passion for antique and vintage items and the history behind them is the best part of my job. Let me tell you about an interesting item that one of our partners recently auctioned.
During the Renaissance, art, culture, and world exploration were flourishing. Ships were traveling further and discovering new lands, and navigation was essential. Compass rings were a common item and became popular starting in the 16th century. Many were created in Germany. Artisans usually designed them with a cover to hide the compass part, with intricate gold, silver, and enamel work. Much like the Apple Watch, it was a mix of the technology of the time and a fashion symbol indicating the wearer was wealthy or a person of some prestige.
WorthPoint Industry Partner Freeman’s Hindman recently sold a fantastic example of a German-engineered compass ring. The price (over $60,000) highlights the rarity of the piece and the demand among collectors for these unique rings. The ring has a jeweled cover, but I think it sold for a high price because of its condition.
The ring’s shank has intricate enamel work that still looks surprisingly good for its age, and inside the cover is a rendering of the sun, in shades of blue and gold that looks remarkable for an item that is likely close to four hundred years old. In this same auction were Fabergé items that did not sell for as much as the ring, proving that these first examples of “wearable tech” are highly prized, especially the rare ones in this kind of condition.