Antique compass having 2″ Singer’s patent design hand-drawn dial with 32-wind compass rose displaying cardinals and intercardinals, and further marked to the half-point, outer scale from 0-360 degrees, with 2 degree divisions. The cardinals and intercardinals also marked in luminous paint. The floating card dial suspended on jewelled bearing, carrying the maker’s ‘Trademark’ logo with the reversed ‘S’ in ‘FBS’ showing that this compass post-dates the death of Francis Barker in 1875.

All contained within a spun brass drum form case with polished reflector ring, flat glass, hinged lid and transit lock to edge activated by closure of lid. Suspension post and bow. The inside lid with scratched marker to aid navigation.

The compass card swinging freely and finding north easily, the brass case in very good condition with no dents and only small dings commensurate with age and use, the hinge strong, the transit lock working correctly, the glass with only a few very faint marks. The luminosity no longer active.

This is a fine and larger than usual antique compass from one of the premier makers of the age with cardinals and intercardinals highlighted in what is almost certainly Balmain’s Luminous Paint, patented in 1877.

Dimensions: 2¼” diameter x ⅝” deep

Stock No: SI0924

Price: SOLD