A rare pocket equinoctial sundial compass by Francis Barker, London in original case c1855

Equinoctial sundial having 1⅝″ diameter compass with finely drawn dial displaying cardinals, intercardinals and false points, and quadrant scale 0°-90°-0°-90°-0°. Arrow indicating position of magnetic north at the time of manufacture. Blued steel needle with gilt letters “N” and “S,” suspended on brass pivot under flat crystal held within a brass bezel. Lacquered brass case with side mounted transit lock and arc of latitude from 0-60°, originally silvered chapter ring for Northern latitudes, with hours running clockwise from 4am across noon to 8pm. Folding brass gnomon.

Complete with its correct burgundy leather over timber, crimson velvet and silk lined travel case, the bottom with paper table for equation of time. Twin swinging catch closures.

Condition: The instrument generally crisp, the compass dial clear, the needle easily finding north, the arc and gnomon articulating correctly. The brass case retaining most of its original lacquered brass finish. The chapter ring with traces of original silvering.

The travel case, serviceable and structurally sound, with some losses to leather and a slight warp often found in these larger slimmer style cases. The paper table clean.

Comments: This pocket equinoctial sundial compass is a rare instrument, unsigned but almost certainly by Francis Barker, the respected Victorian manufacturer of white label scientific instruments, the position of magnetic north confirming a date in the mid-1850s. 

A collector’s piece, this instrument was reportedly sold through Christie’s in March 1973 for £600 – it was described as a Solar & Lunar Dial.