A fine rare cased lacquered brass telescopic gimballed nautical pattern compass by Francis Barker for Henry Hughes & Son, London c1880

Gimballed compass having 2½” hand-drawn nautical pattern dry card with gemstone suspension, displaying cardinals and intercardinals, fleur de lys to north, marked with the retailer “H. Hughes & Son, 59 Fenchurch St, London” to centre.

Set in a substantial ballasted glazed bowl swinging in gimbals. Telescopic release and park. Contained within its spun outer case with extension post and suspension ring.  

Together with its original burgundy leather over timber, blue velvet and silk lined case.

Condition: Generally very good, the compass easily finding north, though cleaned remains in entirely original condition and retains a very good proportion of its original lacquered finish. The telescopic action smooth and positive. The leather case with some external losses, indentations and minor abrasions, some wear to hinge. The circumferential lower section velvet replaced.

Comments: These larger-sized gimballed compasses are very seldom seen. This one, which is in really lovely condition, is absolutely a collector’s piece.