A brass box pocket compass, dating from c.1900. This compass has an 'oxydised' blackened finish brass case with a push-fit lid, ceramic compass card, English bar needle with a jewelled pivot, and a transit lock. The compass is in full working order and finds north very well. This is a very well made compass, with an unusual hand-painted ceramic card - most compasses of this type had a paper card. The glass is fitted to an aluminium retaining ring which is attached to the brass case by two tiny grub screws. This means it is very easy to remove the glass for cleaning or maintenance. The transit lock is operated by a tiny lever that is pushed down when the lid is replaced, locking the compass needle. The lid is a lovely precise fit, and retains much of its original blackened finish on the interior.
There are no makers's marks, but the case design is very similar to cases made by Francis Barker c.1870, and by Short & Mason c.1900. An almost identical compass featured in the 1909 edition of the Norton & Gregory Ltd catalogue of scientific instruments. Examples of this type of case design can also be seen in Compass Chronicles by Kornelia Takacs (p.26-7)
Condition:
In very good condition, full working order, and finds North well. The case is in very good condition, the lid fits perfectly, with just some wear to the blackened finish of the brass case. The transit lock is working well. The glass and ceramic card are in very good condition. There are some minor rust marks to the needle.
Dimensions: 45mm diameter, 25mm depth
