A rare Francis Barker 'RGS' type gimballed compass, in its original leather case. Although there are no maker's marks, this is a well-known Barker design - the distinctive Barker 'RGS' pattern first appeared in production around 1875, and featured in Barker catalogues until the 1920s. The dial design was formally registered by Barker as 'Registered Design No. 416645' in August 1903. After this date, the design number often appeared on the dial.
A version of this compass, known as the 'Steady Compass', appeared in the Barker catalogue for 1907. It was described as being suitable for 'Ballooning, Boating, Cycling, Horseback, Motoring, Yachting, Travellers, etc' and designed 'to obtain steadiness in action of dial, and has all the advantages of a liquid compass, without its defects, such as evaporation, leakage, &c . . . It will be found an accurate, serviceable compass for any purpose in which steadiness of action is required.' The 'RGS' type gimballed compass was also retailed by other companies, appearing in the Casella catalogue for 1911, and the Stanley catalogue for 1912. Barker 'RGS' compasses were used by the British Army during the colonial wars of the late 19th century, including the Boer War. This type of gimballed compass was also used during WW1 as a private purchase item by members of the Royal Flying Corps.
The compass has a paper 'RGS' design card, in a nickel-plated brass case attached to a gimbal mechanism, enclosed in a fitted leather case. As the compass bezel is lifted upwards the gimbals are freed, allowing the compass case to swing.
Further details of the 'RGS' type compass can be found in Paul Crespel's book Trade Mark London, available to view as a PDF at trademarklondon.com.
Francis Barker & Son: 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 very good condition, full working order, and finds North well. With some marks and wear to the nickel plating of the bezel and case. The glass and compass card are in good condition. The leather case is in very good condition, with a few marks.
Dimensions:
Compass: 55mm diameter, 20mm height (25mm extended)
Leather case: 58mm x 27mm
