A rare early version of the Francis Barker & Son 'Unicus' liquid-damped pocket compass, dating from c.1890. This design was registered by Barker c.1890 and was produced from 1890 until c.1906, when it was replaced by a smaller version with luminous markers and an 'RGS' pattern dial. The compass has a brass hunter case, typical Barker maritme dial with jewelled cap, and distinctive 10-screw seal clamping ring. The later versions of the Unicus only had 8 screws securing the clamping ring, and had a Dennison pocket watch type case. Versions of the The Unicus were listed in Barker catalogues from the start of the 20th century until the mid 1920's. The Unicus also featured in other retail scientific instrument catalogues, including those of Casella & Co. Ltd, until the late 1930's. As was the case with many of Barker's products, most of these compasses were supplied unsigned to retailers.
The compass still has its original seal beneath the clamping ring, the fluid has recently been replaced, and there are no bubbles. As the rubber seal is more than 100 years old, bubbles may appear at some point in the future. If this does occur, they can be removed by topping up the fluid via the screw threaded filler plug on the side of the compass capsule. The filler plug can be accessed by lifting the push-fit compass capsule out of the brass case.
Further details of the Barker Unicus can be seen on p.215-218 of Trade Mark London by Paul Crepsel, available to view as a PDF at trademarklondon.com.
Francis Barker & Son: were 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 very good condition, full working order, and finds North very well. The brass case is in good condition, with signs of wear, a couple of minor dings, and a few marks. The lid fits very well and opens as it should via a push button at the bow. Most of the original bronzed finish has worn away from the exterior of the case, but the interior of the lid and the clamping ring still retain their original bronzed finish. The compass card and glass are in very good condition. There are no bubbles in the fluid. There are a couple of flakes of paint floating inside the compass bowl, but these are hidden below the compass card. The brass case has "Unicus" engraved on the lid.
Dimensions : 52mm diameter (75mm including loop)
