The compass has a brass bowl and gimbals that allow it to move within its wooden box so that it stays level when in use. The compass card is printed on paper and is marked both in degrees and with the thirty-two points of the compass. The north point is decorated with a fleur-de-lys and the east point is also slightly ornate. The compass has a single needle (an iron bar) with a cup that rotates on a metal spike set into the bottom of the bowl, which is weighted with a piece of lead.

The maker's name is printed on the compass card: 'Made by EADE, WILTON, & ALLEN King Edward Stairs Wapping'. This firm is known to have been operating in Wapping in east London in the late 18th century. On the underside of the box lid there is also a hadwritten label stating that 'This compass belongs to Edmd. Halliday London of Warminster Sepr. 23rd. 1791' and 'Bought by F Curtis Jany. 12th. 1888'.