A very rare and unusual example of a pocket sundial compass, dating from c.1860. Although there are no makers marks, this is an elegant and very well made instrument, undoubtedly by one of the best makers of the time. It may possibly have been made by Francis Barker & Son, as they specialised in sundials around this time. The style of the needle and compass card are typical of compasses made in England in the mid to late 19th century. The compass has a brass case, with a push-fit lid, hand-drawn compass card, a blued needle with gold painted markers, and a brass pivot. The hinged sundial gnomon is spring-loaded.
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. Francis Barker and other makers were producing small pocket sundial compasses from around 1850. Further details of the history of sundial compasses, can be found at the compassmuseum.com website. Francis Barker was one of the most prolific makers of sundials in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and details of his sundials can be found at in Paul Crespel's book Trade Mark London, available to view as a PDF at trademarklondon.com.
Condition
In very good condition, full working order and finds North well. The brass case is in very good condition, with some wear to the original lacquered finish. The lid fits very well. The paper compass card, glass, needle, and gnomon are all in very good condition.
Dimensions: 50mm diameter, 10mm depth
