Aqua Meter Marine Compass Value Guide

This 1960s Aqua Meter Marine Compass is a quintessential piece of mid-century American maritime history, manufactured by the renowned Aqua Meter Instrument Corporation in Roseland, N.J. Highly collectible for its utilitarian metal and glass construction, it represents the reliable navigational technology used by both recreational and commercial boaters of the era.

What Is Aqua Meter Marine Compass Worth?

The typical price range for Aqua Meter Marine Compass is $40 - $60 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the internal fluid; clarity is essential as cloudiness or bubbles can decrease value.
• Physical state of the metal housing, specifically looking for signs of heavy corrosion or original paint preservation.
• Functionality of the compass needle and its ability to maintain an accurate north-south orientation.
• Presence of original mounting hardware or period-correct packaging which can push the value toward the $60 range.

How to Identify Aqua Meter Marine Compass?

• Look for the 'Aqua Meter' brand name and 'Roseland, N.J.' manufacturing location stamped on the housing or dial.
• Verify the 1960s era construction featuring a heavy metal casing and a thick glass viewing lens.
• Check for the specific font and layout of the directional markings typical of mid-20th-century American marine instruments.
• Confirm the presence of the original mounting bracket or base designed for nautical installation.

History of Aqua Meter Marine Compass

Aqua Meter Instrument Corporation was a prominent American manufacturer of marine instruments, including speedometers, tachometers, and compasses, particularly active during the mid-20th century. Their products were known for their reliability and were widely used in recreational and commercial boating. This particular model reflects the utilitarian design common for marine equipment of its era, built to withstand harsh conditions at sea while providing accurate navigational information.