An English wooden pocket sundial compass, dating from the mid-Victorian era, c.1855. With a wooden case, made from Yew, a typical Victorian style paper compass card, blued needle with brass pivot, and a pin and lever operated transit lock which locks the needle when the lid is closed. The original paper label inside the lid includes full instructions for the set up and use of the sundial.
There are no maker's marks, but this type of pocket sundial was made by Francis Barker during the mid Victorian period. One of the earliest Barker pocket sundials was made for Robert Gogerty of 72 Fleet Street around 1855 (Gogerty ceased trading in that year and died in 1856).
Other examples of this type of wooden pocket sundial were made by James Parkes of Birmingham. Although the design and dimensions of the Parkes version are very similar to the Barker sundials, there were several significant differences. The Parkes design featured a slightly different compass card, with the distinctive Parkes 'Left Eye' Trade Mark at the North point, the style and arrangement of the hour markers around the edge of the case were different to the usual Barker design, the hinges were more substantial and fitted to the lid differently, and the instruction label was written in italics - which the Barker version never was.
This particular sundial compass seems to combine elements of both the Barker and Parkes designs, but is most likely to have been made by Barker. The compass card and most of the other features are typical of the Barker version, but the style of the hour numerals is very similar to those seen on the Parkes version. One curious feature of this sundial is that the lower section of the case is not perfectly symmetrical, meaning that it does not match perfectly with the lid. The reason for this is unclear - perhaps this was the work of an apprentice who had not quite mastered the techniques of wooden sundial making. The hinges are also slightly less well finished than is usual - which also points to this being the work of a less experienced craftsman.
Condition
In good condition, full working order and finds North very well. The case is in good condition, with some marks, and some wear at the hinges. The lower section is not perfectly symmetrical and so does not exactly match the lid. The clasps, hinges, and lid support are all in good condition. The transit lock is fully functional. The compass card has some marks and signs of wear. There is some wear and surface corrosion to the original blued finish of the needle. The glass is in very good condition. The instruction label inside the lid is in good condition, with a small piece missing from the left hand edge.
Dimensions: 50mm x 72mm x 18mm
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.
James Parkes (1786-1877) established his business in Birmingham in 1815. City directories described his initial business as a “gilt toy manufacturer” and “stamper and piercer”. As Parkes was not a goldsmith, “gilt” probably meant lacquered brass or other metals. At that time, “toy” referred to small items, such as snuff boxes, jewellery cases, and other metal items. James Parkes' book of 'Items and Customers' dating from 1833-1837 is held in the Birmingham Archives and describes the business as 'Manufacturers of optical and mathematical instruments'. James Parkes only son, Samuel, became a partner in about 1846, forming James Parkes & Son. A catalogue produced in 1848, described the business as 'manufacturers of improved measuring tapes, land chains, mathematical instruments, miners’ and mariners’ compasses, watch keys, seals, &c., &c'. An 1849 Birmingham city directory described them as 'manfs. of mathematical instruments and gilt toys'. Their 1857 catalogue prominently featured microscopes and prepared slides. Samuel Parkes continued the business under the same name after his father’s death. Samuel had only one son, also named Samuel. That son, and a nephew, James Moulton, continued the business after the elder Samuel died. Moulton left the partnership in 1908, and Samuel T. H. Parkes continued alone for a number of years.
Sundial Compasses had been made in Europe since the late 17th century, with wooden cased types known to have been made since the early 19th century. Further details of sundial compass design, and the history of pocket sundial compasses, can be found at compassmuseum.com.
