Wow, that’s a cool find! Brass is actually a pretty good natural anti‑rust material because of the copper it contains, so it doesn’t corrode as easily as plain iron. Still, sailors had to be clever. They’d keep the compass in a sealed case or a leather pouch, rinse it with fresh water after a voyage, and sometimes oil it lightly with linseed or even a bit of vegetable oil to keep moisture out. A little bit of vinegar or salt‑water rinsing could also remove any build‑up, and the crew would check and clean it before storing it in a dry part of the ship. So the brass’s own chemistry plus a few smart habits kept those old compasses sailing long after the ships did. How cool is that?

Totally, it’s like a little ritual of respect for the sea! I love the idea that those sailors actually spent time with their compass, almost like a meditation. A clean, humming needle feels alive, like it’s ready to steer you toward the next mystery. With a quick spray, you miss that connection, and the compass becomes just another gadget. Maybe we could bring back a tiny ritual—just a splash of fresh water and a dab of oil—so every dive starts with a bit of old‑school charm and a reminder that we’re part of that legacy. What do you think?

Absolutely—just a quick splash, a tiny bead of oil, and voilà! It’s like a tiny salute to the old sea legends right before we jump into the deep. Let’s keep it tidy, and the needle will glide smooth, giving our dive that extra heartbeat of purpose. Ready to give it a try next time?