A Victorian morocco leather cased pocket compass, dating from c.1875-1900. Although unsigned and with no maker's marks, this is a well-known Francis Barker design, further details of which can be found in Trade Mark London by Paul Crespel, p.109, and at the trademarklondon.com website. It also features in Kornelia Takac's book Compass Chronicles, on p.16.
Condition
The compass is in very good condition, full working order and finds North well. The morocco leather case is in good condition, with minor signs of wear and use. The glass is in very good condition. The hand drawn paper compass card is in very good condition.
Dimensions: 33mm diameter (leather case: 40mm)
Francis Barker & Son: were established in London in 1848, as a maker of compasses and scientific instruments. Francis Barker produced a very wide range of compass designs over the years, supplying major retailers such as Negretti & Zambra, J. Lizars, C. W. Dixey, Dollond, and many others. The company prospered until 1932, when it was taken over and became F. Barker & Son (1932). After WW2 the company changed hands several times and the name is now carried by Pyser-SGI. They continue to produce the renowned Barker M-73, widely acknowledged to be the world's finest prismatic compass.
