A rare round wooden cased pocket compass, dating from c.1875. Although there are no makers marks, this is a well known Barker design and has the characteristic Barker 'hidden' hinges and the '7' shaped clasp. The compass has a round mahogany case, and a typical hand-drawn Barker design paper compass card with a brass pivot. There is a pin and lever transit lock which operates when the lid is closed. Square shaped wooden box pocket compasses were made in England throughout the Victorian era, but this type of round wooden compass was only made in limited numbers and is much more uncommon. A similar round wooden cased compass can be seen on p.19 of Compass Chronicles by Kornelia Takacs.
Francis Barker & Son: were established in London in 1848, as a maker of compasses and scientific instruments. One of the most important British scientific instrument makers of the Victorian era, Francis Barker produced a very wide range of compass designs throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, supplying major retailers such as Negretti & Zambra, J. Lizars, C. W. Dixey, Dollond, and many others. The company prospered until 1932, when it was taken over and became F. Barker & Son (1932). After WW2 the company changed hands several times and the name is now owned by Pyser Optics of Edenbridge in Kent. They continue to produce the renowned Barker M-73, widely acknowledged to be the world's finest prismatic compass.
Condition:
In very good condition, full working order and finds North well. The wooden case is in very good condition, with a few minor marks. The clasp and hinge are in very good condition. The transit lock is working. The paper compass card and glass are in very good condition.
Dimensions: 55mm x 20mm
