An extremely unusual and important silver miniature long necked compass with lid by Francis Barker for James & George Simms, retailed by C.W. Dixey c1842

A very high quality, 1¼” diameter silver pocket compass having enamelled dial with hand painted cardinals, intercardinals and false points, fleur de lys for north, small arrow indicating magnetic north at the time. The upper centre marked with the retailer, “C.W. Dixey,” the lower centre with address “Bond Street.” Polished flat steel bar needle with jewelled suspension, highly-polished silver reflector ring, low dome crystal. Silver drum form case, long necked suspension post and Georgian pattern bow with transit lock button behind. The verso with hallmarks for James Simms & George Simms, London and 1842. Separate silver push-fit lid.

Condition: The compass remaining in completely original condition, the needle swinging freely and finding north easily. The enamel dial and low dome crystal clear. The silver case with a very few lights marks, the hallmarks well-struck, the transit lock working correctly.

Comments: This is a very unusual and scarce compass. Not only is its miniature size uncommon but we have been unable to find another Georgian pattern long necked compass with a push-fit lid.

In 1842, the compass maker for James & George Simms was none other than Francis Barker, who went on to become the leading designer and manufacturer of compasses in the Victorian and Edwardian eras. As such, this compass was made by one of the finest makers of the time for one of the leading optician and scientific instrument retailers, possibly as a special order.

Absolutely one for the collector or connoisseur, or a unique gift.

James and George Simms, members of the well-respected Simms family of instrument makers, are recorded as working between 1820 and 1855. Francis Barker was apprenticed to the firm in c1828 at the age of 8, and remained with the company until he started his own business, Francis Barker & Son, in 1848. Charles Wastell Dixey, “Optician to the Queen,” was at 3 New Bond Street from 1839-1862.