Antique compass having 1¾” silvered, stepped and hand-painted dial, the outer chapter ring showing a range of 0-360 degrees, divided to every five degrees and marked at every ten degrees, the inner part displaying cardinals and intercardinals and marked to the centre with the retailer “Negretti & Zambra, London.” Fine highly polished steel bar needle on jewelled suspension under bevelled glass.

Barrel-form lacquered brass case with suspension post and pinned bow, transit lock. The whole contained within its original leather over wood, emerald green silk and velvet lined case with the Negretti & Zambra cartouche in gold block to inner lid.

The dial clean and crisp, the crystal chip free, the lacquered brass case with almost all its original finish, faint signs of wear, some losses to suspension post and loop. The travel case with some minor restoration. The bar needle swinging freely and finding north easily, the transit lock working well.

This antique compass almost certainly the work of Francis Barker for Negretti & Zambra, our research has only uncovered one similar example, though the dial designs differ. A very unusual compass in exceptional condition, this is a wonderful piece.

Dimensions: 2¼” diameter x 1″ deep

Stock No: SI0852

Price: SOLD