A very good small gilt brass Singers Patent pocket compass in original case by Francis Barker, London c1870

Singer’s Patent pocket compass having 1¼” hand drawn floating dry card with 32 point rose displaying cardinals and intercardinals, marked “Singer’s Patent” and showing Singer’s trademark lyre and star to indicate north. The card verso balanced with sealing wax. Bevelled low dome glass, gilded reflector ring, within a gilt brass watch form case. Suspension post and ring. Contained in its original leather over wood, dark blue velvet lined travel case, swinging catch.

Condition: The card crisp, floating freely and finding north easily. The glass damage-free. The gold-plated brass case retaining virtually all its original finish, losses to suspension post and ring, light marks to verso. The travel case in very good condition, the hinge and swinging catch sound, small indentation to upper lid.

Comments: A very good example of these desirable compasses, surviving in much above average and original condition. The dial identical to the higher numbered Singer’s Patent cards, indicating that this was manufactured very shortly after the expiration of Samuel Berry Singer’s patent in 1868. Francis Barker was known for reusing old ledgers and other documents to make the cards for his compasses, and such use here makes this a particularly interesting example.

A very good collector’s piece and a super gift.