A very good antique gilt brass pocket compass by Francis Barker, London c1860

Pocket compass having 1⅜” quadrant hand painted ceramic dial, divided to 5°, with dots indicating 1° divisions, the inner displaying cardinals, intercardinals and false points, fleur de lys to indicate north, decorated centre, the outer with scale 0°-90°-0°-90°-0°. Bar needle suspended on a jewelled pivot.

Bevelled low dome glass contained within a gilded brass bezel, silvered reflector ring, within a gilt brass watch form case. Suspension post and ring with push-pull button transit lock.

Condition: The hand decorated dial very crisp. The bar needle swinging freely, and finding north easily. The glass damage-free. The gold-plated brass case retaining virtually all its original finish, losses to suspension post and ring, light marks to verso.

Comments: Although unsigned, the dial pattern is identical to that of compasses made by Francis Barker, the leading compass manufacturer of the time, who supplied instruments to the trade.

A really lovely antique compass in good working order and above average condition. A perfect gift.