c. 1890. A Victorian/ Edwardian novelty compass fashioned in 14k gold. At least the top of the sphere is - the "eyeball" part of the interior sphere that holds the hand-painted compass is some kind of gold fill metal, as many mechanical jewels were at that time (think Gold Back & Front lockets). When suspended from a chain, the pendant appears to be a simple banded sphere, but as you turn it over the lower half automatically swivels (just like an old-fashioned doll's eye) to reveal a working compass. Gravity does the job. 3/4" diameter - biggest we've seen! Was originally worn on a watch chain as a useful fob. I paid a fortune for this!