Antique compass having 1⅜” hand painted aluminium floating RGS pattern dial, the chapter ring showing a range of 0-360 degrees, divided to every five degrees and numbered at every twenty degrees, displaying cardinals and intercardinals, north highlighted with luminous paint, lower part carrying the registered design no. “416645.” Jewelled suspension under bevelled glass with red-painted guide lines.

Barrel-form lacquered oxidised brass case, suspension post and bow, crown-activated transit lock. The whole contained within its original leather over wood, cranberry silk and velvet lined case with luminous instructions label to inner lid, snap closure on a button release.

Condition: The dial clean and crisp, swinging freely and finding north easily, the transit lock working well. The lacquered oxidised brass case retaining practically all of its original finish, some slight signs of wear, losses to suspension post and loop. The travel case in good condition, losses and marks consistent with age and wear, the linings vibrant.

Comments: This antique compass is the work of Francis Barker, who registered the design for the “RGS pattern” dial in 1903. The barrel-form oxidised brass case is unusual and in excellent condition.

This fine antique compass is certainly a collector’s piece.