George S Wood worked at 20 Lord St Liverpool between 1875 and 1894, having taken over the business of Abraham Abraham & Co. This large mahogany cased surveying compass was made around 1880 and is signed 'G. S. WOOD. ABRAHAM & CO, 20 LORD ST. LIVERPOOL.'

The English cross bar needle pivots above an attractive silvered dial on a gemstone bearing, and has a stepped outer chapter ring with a 0-360 degrees scale in one degree increments.

A substantial compass weighing just over 600 grams and measuring 5¾" (145mm) square, it's visually very impressive, and although no longer usable for surveying due to the missing integral sight vanes, fortunately it doesn't affect its use as a directional compass, with the needle accurately finding North and a working transit lock.

Generally in good cosmetic condition, there are some minor scrapes on the case lid, but no splits or cracks, and the holes left by the sight vanes have been filled with wax, making them less noticeable.