An unusually small and very attractive silver pocket compass by Francis Barker with case by William Oliver, Birmingham c1898

Antique silver pocket compass having 1⅛” silvered and frosted gilt compass dial with silvered reflector ring, the centre hand-decorated with cardinals, intercardinals, and crosses marking false points, the outer ring divided divided to 6°. Arrow shaped needle with blued portion indicating north, suspended on jewelled suspension under deep bevelled glass held in brass bezel. All within a drum form hunter case with suspension ring through hinge, hallmarks to side for Birmingham, 1898, and “W.O” for William Oliver.

Condition: Generally crisp overall, the silver case with light marks commensurate with age and use, two small impressions to verso, the hinge sound. The dial and needle clean, the glass undamaged. Compass quickly and easily finds North.

Comments: A very unusual and attractive pocket compass, the silver case by a very respected silversmith, the compass unsigned but bearing all the hallmarks of Francis Barker, the preeminent maker of compasses of the day, who produced white label instruments for the trade, rarely self-signing.

Very collectable and a wonderful gift.