{"product_id":"francis-barker-transparent-compass-c-1900","title":"Francis Barker 'Pocket pebble' Compass c.1926","description":"\u003cp\u003eA rare Francis Barker \u0026amp; Son ‘Pocket Pebble' compass dating from c.1900-1926. This compass has a brass case and a finely balanced English Bar Needle, pivoting between the two lenses. Most of Barker's transparent compasses featured magnifying lenses, but this example has plain glass non-magnifying lenses. The cardinal points are hand painted in red and black, set against a white background. The brass case would originally have had a bronzed or 'oxydised' finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 'Pebble Lens' transparent compass design featured in Barker catalogues from the 1880s until the 1920s. In the catalogue for 1885 it was described as a ‘Cyclists Compass, for use with maps etc’. It was said to be ‘Invaluable to Cyclists, Captains, Military men, and others. Being transparent, the roads on the map are easily seen and the distance calculated'. By the time the 1907 catalogue was produced, this compass was being described as useful to ‘Aeronauts, Explorers, Motorists, and Yachtsmen’. The Pebble Lens compass was available in three sizes, the largest being 1.5 inches (38mm), with sterling silver, 18ct gold, and 'bronzed' or 'oxydised' finish cases. Most versions were offered with 'best optically worked' magnifying lenses. The 'Pocket Pebble' was also available with plain glass non-magnifying lenses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBarker supplied the Pebble Lens unsigned to many well known scientific instrument retailers, including Negretti \u0026amp; Zambra, Dollond, and Casella. Barker also produced several other types of transparent compass - including the 'Combination Compass' that they made for Negretti \u0026amp; Zambra, which was similar to the Pebble Lens type, but in a heavy gilt brass case, and included an integral thermometer.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFurther details of the Barker Pebble Lens compasses can be found in \u003cem\u003eTrade Mark London\u003c\/em\u003e by Paul Crespel, available to view as a PDF at the trademarklondon.com website.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrancis Barker \u0026amp; Son:\u003c\/strong\u003e were established in London in 1848, as a maker of compasses and scientific instruments. The company soon became recognised as one of the most important scientific instrument makers of the time. Francis Barker produced a very wide range of compass designs over the years, supplying major retailers such as Negretti \u0026amp; Zambra, J. Lizars, C. W. Dixey, Dollond, and many others. The company prospered until 1932, when it was taken over and became F. Barker \u0026amp; 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn very good condition, full working order and finds North well. The glass lenses are in very good condition. The brass case and bar needle are in very good condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 32mm diameter (1.25 inches)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47738202161303,"sku":null,"price":2371.0,"currency_code":"SEK","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/files\/BarkerPebbleBrass-12.jpg?v=1777562160","url":"https:\/\/www.compasslibrary.com\/en-se\/products\/francis-barker-transparent-compass-c-1900","provider":"Compass Library","version":"1.0","type":"link"}