An unusual Brass box pocket Compass, dating from c.1875, with a bronzed-finish brass box case, push-fit lid, paper compass card, jewelled pivot, and English bar needle. The compass card design is typical of the mid to late Victorian era. There is a transit lock, operated by a sliding button on the side of the case, which lifts a lever below the pivot and locks the needle.
This compass has one very distinctive feature - the bezel and glass were designed to be easily removable, allowing the needle to be adjusted or repaired if necessary. There are two small semicircular recesses in the edge of case just below the bezel, where a tool or blade can be inserted to carefully lever off the bezel and glass. The bar needle has small moveable weights attached on either side of the pivot, and the removable bezel would have allowed it to be adjusted for magnetic dip variation. The bezel can be removed and refitted easily and is a very good and secure fit. Removable bezels are very rarely seen in brass box compasses of this type - although they occasionally featured in early 19th century Schmalcalder prismatics, including one made in London by Thomas Jones c.1816. It is very rare indeed to find a late 19th century brass box compass with a removable bezel.
Although there are there are no maker's marks this compass was clearly made by one of the best makers of the time, possibly by Francis Barker & Son. Barker made a wide variety of brass box compasses during the second half of the 19th century and often supplied their products unsigned to the retail trade.
Condition:
In very good condition, full working order, and points strongly to North. The brass case and lid have some marks and wear to the original bronzed finish. The lid fits very well. The compass card, glass, and needle are in very good condition. The transit lock is working perfectly.
Dimensions: 85mm diameter x 18mm height
