A prismatic survey or artillery compass, dating from c.1885. This type of compass was used for surveying and artillery work in the mid to late 19th century. The compass features a blackened or 'bronzed' finish brass case with a push-fit lid, Singer's type black and white compass card, prism and vane sights, and a transit lock operated when the sights are folded down. The compass card is an unusual design - most of the prismatic compasses of this type and size came with either a green card or a cut-out aluminium ring card. This one is a version of the classic 1860s Singer's Patent design, and is quite similar to the design used in the J. H. Steward Military Pocket Compass of the 1880s. The cardinal points from West to East have been hand painted in white - presumably with an early type of luminous paint, possibly 'Balmain's Luminous Paint' which was patented in 1877 and often used in late Victorian compasses.
The compass is unsigned and there are no maker's marks, but it may well have been made by W. F. Stanley or Francis Barker & Son, as they were the main manufacturers of this type of compass throughout the Victorian era. Barker often sold their compasses unsigned to the retail trade, supplying many well-known companies, including Cary, Negretti & Zambra, and J. H. Steward.
Condition:
In very good condition, full working order and finds North well. The original bronzed finish of the case is in very good condition, with a few marks. The glass, prism, sights, and compass card are in very good condition.
Dimensions: 70mm diameter (100mm inc. prism), 25mm depth
