Equinoctial compass having 1″ diameter compass with white card dial, the azimuth circle with 90 degree quadrants, cardinals, intercardinals and secondary intercardinals. Blued steel spear tip pointer, locking bar engaged from pin on closure, flat glass.

Side-mounted arc of latitude, compass top having inset brass chapter ring with hours running from 4am across noon to 8pm, signed by the retailer “Negretti & Zambra, London,” folding gnomon. Twin swinging closure catches.

In crisp original condition, the mahogany case with good colour and retaining almost all its original lacquered finish. The brass furniture patinated with traces of original finish. The compass card with minor age marks, the needle generally with light surface corrosion.

Hinges, catches, transit lock and folding gnomon all sound and operating as they should. The compass, when level, finds north easily. Minor marks and indentations to exterior.

This is definitely a first: though equinoctial compasses in many patterns do occur from time to time, this is the first of this particular ‘pocket’ pattern that we have encountered. It is most definitely a serious attempt to produce a practical yet very small mobile instrument.

Francis Barker was the pre-eminent maker of compasses and sundials of his time, and a later iteration of this compass is included in the Francis Barker Complete Catalogue of 1907.

This fine equinoctial compass is very much a collector’s item.

Dimensions: 2⅛” wide x 2⅛” deep x ¾” high

Stock No: SI1223

Price: SOLD