A very rare Georgian pocket compass, made in England, dating from c.1805. With a hand-drawn black and white compass card in the classic Georgian style. The compass has a gilt or gold-plated brass case, slightly domed glass, paper compass card and jewelled pivot. There is a transit lock operated by a tiny lever at the bow. The compass is in full working order and finds North very well. It comes complete with its original fish skin leather covered case.
Although unsigned, this is a very high quality compass, undoubtedly from one of the finest English makers. The compass card is identical to one made by William Harris (1781-1841), who was working at 50 Holborn, London from c.1800-1839. Another unsigned compass, with an identical card, in a silver case hallmarked for London 1808, can be seen on page 13 of Compass Chronicles by Kornelia Takacs (Schiffer, 2010).
William Harris (1781-1841) was an early 19th century optical and scientific instrument maker, working from 50 Holborn, London from c.1800-1839. Harris had worked for Sir David Brewster in Edinburgh until about 1799, then began to produce instruments under his own name. Around 1805 he opened additional premises at 47 Holborn. Harris had two apprentices - F. S. Wiggins (1806) and R. J. Harris (1815). In 1813 the business became known as William Harris & Company, when his eldest son, also William (1799-1839), joined the company. The company trade card advertised that they were manufacturers of optical, mathematical and philosophical instruments 'by His Majesty's Letters Patent'.
In 1820 the company entered into a short term partnership with W. Campbell to sell scientific instruments in Hamburg. Campbell was an optician in his own right, and by 1831 the company at the Hamburg address - Bey dem Rathhause No. 26 - had become known as W. Campbell & Co.
In 1840 Harris & Co. was renamed William Harris & Son. They exhibited at the 1851 Great Exhibition in London, where their stand featured 'barometers, thermometers, and telescopes for use on land, at sea, or for astronomy'. The company appears to have ceased trading by 1855, as another company, Keyzor & Co., had taken over the premises at 50 Holborn in January of that year.
Condition:
In very good condition, full working order, and finds North very well. With some minor wear to the case. The compass card and glass are in very good condition. The leather case is in good condition, slightly warped near the twin clasps, with some wear and marks, and wear to the silk lining.
Dimensions: 50mm diameter (Leather case: 60mm x 20mm)
