A rare pocket compass with clinometer by Francis Barker for William Ford Stanley c1890 with British Geological Survey logo

Antique pocket compass having 1¾” silvered and die-struck quadrant dial with cardinals and intercardinals, stations at each 10°, divided to 2°, and decorative compass centre. Polished steel bar needle with jewelled suspension and swinging clinometer hand under bevelled glass. Lacquered brass case of conventional pocket watch form with stand to bottom incorporating a pinhole and a crosshairs sight, the stand, marked “Stanley, London,” forming the level for the clinometer. Transit lock within suspension ring. Verso marked with the Geological Survey logo.

All contained within its original leather over wood, burgundy velvet and cerise silk lined case. Snap closure on a button release.

Condition: Crisp overall. The lacquered brass case retaining much of its original finish, losses commensurate with age and use, the dial very clean, the glass undamaged. Leather case with some marks and signs of age to verso, otherwise with good colour, the linings vibrant. Compass quickly and easily finds North. Locking mechanism works perfectly.

Comments: This pocket compass with clinometer appears in Stanley’s Surveying & Levelling Instruments from 1890, though it was manufactured by Francis Barker, the preeminent maker of compasses of the day. Very scarce, only one other of this form has been seen.

One for the collector.