A very good silver Hunter Radiant compass with Royal Geographical Society Pattern dial by Francis Barker retailed by Ross, London, c1911

Antique pocket compass with 1½” floating aluminium dial featuring registered design no “416645,” known as the RGS Pattern, and marked with the retailer’s details “Ross, London,” suspended on a jewelled bearing under a flat crystal with bevelled edge and marked with red cardinals and quadrant lines, retained by a silver bezel. Solid silver shallow hunter case with crown activated opening, automatic transit lock, the inner lid hallmarked for the maker “FB & Son Ld”, London and date letter “q” for 1911.
The compass in full working order, finding north easily, the transit lock functioning intermittantly The silver case with a few marks, commensurate with age and use. No dings or dents.

A very attractive and original example of the “Hunter Radiant Compass” from the preeminent British maker, Francis Barker. This compass was featured in Barker’s trade catalogue at the time as “Extra thin Hunter Case compass” for sale in silver at £2-, with cheaper oxidised and gilded brass options also offered.

Francis Barker’s design no. 416645, know as the Royal Geographical Society Pattern or RGS Pattern, was registered in September 1903.