A Francis Barker hunter cased R.G.S. pocket compass, dating from c.1900. Although there are no maker's marks, this is a well-known Barker design which appeared in Barker catalogues from the late 19th century until the 1920s. In the catalogues it was described as 'The "Scouting" Compass', a 'Bronzed, Snap Hunter, Scouting Compass, All-Luminous, Float Dial, Agate Cap and Stop'. The paper card design is the distinctive Barker 'R.G.S.' pattern, which first appeared in production around 1875 and was registered by Barker in 1903. The compass card was made with a version of Balmain's luminous paper, which utilized the luminous paint developed and patented by William Balmain in the 1870's and was widely used in compasses of the late 19th century. It was rendered luminous by exposure to bright light - often by burning magnesium ribbon close to the compass card.
The compass has a brass hunter case with a 'bronzed' black painted finish, paper compass card, transit lock, jewelled pivot, and a paper sighting line inside the lid. It is in full working order and finds north well.
Further details of this type of compass can be found in Paul Crespel's book Trade Mark London, available to view as a PDF at the trademarklondon.com website.
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 British retailers such as Negretti & Zambra, J. Lizars, C. W. Dixey, and Dollond & Co, and exporting their products worldwide. 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 brass case, compasss card and glass are in very good condition. The original black finish of the brass case is in near mint condition.
Dimensions: 45mm diameter
