A good pocket compass, “The Glow Needle,” by Francis Barker for Negretti & Zambra, London c1910

Antique pocket compass having 1⅝” silvered and die-struck compass card with cardinals and intercardinals, dots marking false points, stations at each 10°, divided to 2°, and open centre. Fan shaped luminous needle marked with “N” in red and “S” in black on jewelled suspension under deep bevelled glass held in brass bezel. Oxidised brass spring hunter case, the upper lid marked with the retailer, “Negretti & Zambra, London,” and “The Glow Needle.” Transit lock.

Condition: In good condition overall. The oxidised brass case retaining traces of its original finish, wear commensurate with age and use, the dial and needle clean, the glass undamaged. Compass quickly and easily finds North. Transit lock works intermittantly.

Comments: A slightly smaller version of this pocket compass appears in several Francis Barker catalogues from the early part of the 20th century. Barker, the preeminent maker of compasses of the day, produced white label instruments for the trade, rarely self-signing.

Uncommon, and particularly so in the larger diameter size, this is one for the collector.