An extremely rare 24ct Gold plated special edition Francis Barker M-73 presentation compass. Made in England in 2021 by Pyser Optics of Edenbridge in Kent, who now own the Barker name and manufacture the M-88 and M-73 compasses. This is their top of the range Gold plated solid brass M-73 model, intended to be a very special gift or presentation item. Each Gold plated M-73 was individually numbered on the base: this is Number '21-01/50'. The base is also stamped with the maker's details and model number, 'Francis Barker M-73' and 'Made in the UK'. It also has the letters 'I.G.F.W.' engraved on the central area. The compass comes in its original handmade blue satin lined box, complete with fitted leather case and instruction booklet. Pyser Optics have confirmed that this compass is one of the 24ct Gold plated special edition M-73 compasses that were manufactured in 2021.
The Francis Barker M-73 is a direct descendant of the legendary Barker Mk III service compass that was in use throughout the second world war. Produced in the UK, the M-73 was a development of the Barker M-71 and M-72 compasses which were made in very limited quantities from 1971-72, before being replaced by the M-73 in 1973. The M-73 remains in production today, is regarded as the world's finest liquid prismatic compass, and is standard military issue with many armed forces. Further details of the M-73 can be found in Paul Crespel’s book Trade Mark London, available to view as a PDF at trademarklondon.com. Full specifications of the M-73 can be found at Pyseroptics.com.
Manufacturer's Description: 'The M-73 Presentation model is built to full military specifications. It will operate with precision accuracy to within half a degree, in temperatures from 55°C (131°F) down to -30°C (-22°F). It is shock resistant, and built to withstand the roughest and toughest conditions you are likely to encounter anywhere in the world.
Model: M-73 24ct Presentation Compass
Special edition 24ct gold plated brass presentation compass
Fully functional and includes full instructions
Cardinal point engraving
Rotating bezel with lock screw
Complete with presentation box
Through generations of skilled and experienced craftsmen, the application of advanced manufacturing techniques and the use of only the finest raw materials, Pyser Optics has built a reputation for accuracy and reliability across their compass product range. This craftsmanship and expertise have now produced a special edition M-73 24ct Gold Plated Brass Presentation Compass. This 2021 model has been designed to echo the WWII production standard with cardinal point engraving on the outer body case'.
Francis Barker & Son Ltd: first established in Clerkenwell, London in 1848, as a maker of compasses and scientific instruments, for the next 100 years the company was one of the most prominent British scientific instrument makers. Francis Barker was a master craftsman who produced a very wide range of compass designs over the years, supplying major retailers such as Negretti & Zambra, J. Lizars, C. W. Dixey, Casella, Dollond, and many others. Francis Barker died in 1875, but his company prospered until 1932, when it was taken over and became F. Barker & Son (1932). During WW2 the company was a major supplier to the British government, with their iconic Barker Mk III liquid prismatic service compass being standard issue to the armed forces. After WW2 the company changed hands several times, relocating to Edenbridge in Kent in 1961. The business is still based in Kent, and is now owned by Pyser Optics, who continue to produce the renowned Francis Barker M-73, widely acknowledged to be the world's finest prismatic compass.
Condition:
In excellent condition, full working order, and finds North very well. There are some very slight marks to the plating on the base. The presentation box and instruction booklet are all in excellent condition. The leather case is excellent, unused and as-new. The night lights are in full working order, allowing the compass to be used in total darkness.
Dimensions : 85mm x 60mm x 34mm (Box: 100 x 100 x 110mm)
Weight: compass: 300g
