Help me pick an inlay

I am going to inlay a proper New England mariner's compass into the facade of my gooseneck. Yes, I know the original doesn't have one, but I think it would really add something to the piece. So, the question is: which style of compass should I choose? I sketched two options and took photos.




Let me know which you prefer by leaving a comment. For the record, I lean toward the full circle compass but am open to the half as well.

Thanks!

ZD

7 comments:

  1. Go for the full compass. The half makes me want to see a shell carving.

    Regards,
    Mike

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for weighing in Mike. I'm still playing with the designs and will post the final one I go with.

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  2. Why is this called a mariner's compass?
    It doesn't correspond to the usual 4+4+8 division.

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    Replies
    1. They are stylized compasses, not literal copies of the face of a compass. These patterns were copied directly from a couple of different pieces of 18th century Boston furniture.

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    2. I saw one on the Pegs and 'Tails blog a while ago.
      Any other links?

      Anyway, to answer your question, the full compass looks better.
      Maybe if the half one had more slender rays...

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  3. Full compass vote here as well. I'd love to get an insight into how you do the inlay itself. I hope it will be part of your future blog posts. I just completed my first project of this type after following Paul Sellers's instruction for a Christmas star. It was quite fun and really made me hungry for more.

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