Antique compass having 1¾” hand painted aluminium floating RGS pattern dial, the chapter ring showing a range of 0-360 degrees, divided to every five degrees and numbered at every twenty degrees, displaying cardinals and intercardinals, north highlighted with luminous paint, and marked to the centre with the retailer “Negretti & Zambra, London.” Jewelled suspension under bevelled glass held in rotating bezel with index.

Dished-form lacquered oxidised brass case with engine-turned end rings, suspension post and bow, transit lock. The whole contained within its original leather over wood, cerise silk and mulberry velvet lined case, snap closure on a button release.

Condition: The dial clean and crisp, swinging freely and finding north easily, the transit lock working well. The lacquered oxidised brass case retaining practically all of its original finish, some slight signs of wear, losses to suspension post and loop. The travel case in excellent condition, the linings vibrant.

Comments: This antique compass is the work of Francis Barker for Negretti & Zambra, and can be dated to around the turn of the century, before Barker registered the design for the “RGS pattern” dial in 1903. The dished oxidised brass case is extremely unusual and in excellent condition.

This fine antique compass is certainly a collector’s piece.

Dimensions: 2¼” diameter x 1⅛” deep

Stock No: SI1716

Price: SOLD