An antique Victorian morocco leather cased pocket compass, made in London by Watson & Son, dating from c.1875. With a paper compass card signed 'Watson & Son, 313 High Holborn, London', an English bar needle, transit lock, and fitted leather case lined with velvet.
Watson & Son: was originally established in London by William Watson as an optical instrument maker in 1837. By the 1840s, the company moved into lanterns, slides and associated equipment. They moved to premises at 313 High Holborn in 1861. In 1868, the name was changed to W. Watson & Son. In the 1870s, the company diversified into photographic equipment and became known as a leading manufacturer of 'the highest class photographic instruments and apparatus in England'. William Watson died in January 1881, and in 1883 the name of the company was changed to W. Watson & Sons, when Charles Henry Watson joined the business. The 1883 edition of Kelly's Business Directory listed both Charles Henry Watson and Henry Watson as being associated with the Watson & Sons company located at 23 Walton Street, Aylesbury, England. In 1889, the company participated in the formation of a Photographic Trades Section of the London Chamber of Commerce, and in 1894, the company exhibited scientific instruments at the Antwerp Exhibition. In the 1890s, the business continued to grow, with factories producing scientific instruments, optical glass and cabinet work located at Fullwood Rents W.C., while the warehouse and showroom remained at 313 High Holborn. In 1900 W. Watson & Sons purchased the John Browning & Co., and in 1908 the firm became W. Watson & Sons Ltd. Charles Henry Watson died in August 1938, and the company retained its premises at 313 High Holborn into the 1940s.
Condition
The compass is in very good condition, full working order and finds North well. The morocco leather case is in very good condition, with minor signs of wear and use. The glass and needle are in very good condition. The paper compass card is in very good condition.
Dimensions: 45mm diameter (leather case: 55mm), 18mm height
