Georgian Silver Long Necked Compass by Matthew Berge c.1802

Georgian silver compass with hand decorated 2" porcelain quadrant scale dial displaying 32-wind compass rose and bar needle with jewelled suspension, signed by the maker "Berge, London." Fine English silver case hallmarked to verso with assay marks for London and date letter 'G' for 1802. Well figured articulating Georgian bow with 'long neck' extension. Transit lock lever behind post. Condition: Very minor marks to crystal and silver case, the dial with some ageing but no cracks. The bar needle swinging freely, easily finding north, the transit lock working perfectly. Comments: Overall a fine instrument in above average condition, scarce with its 32-wind compass rose. Very much a collector’s piece. Matthew Berge traded at 199 Piccadilly, London, former foreman to Jesse Ramsden, scientific instrument maker, for upwards of 30 years; after Ramsden's death in 1800 he completed all the major unfinished instruments and continued trading on the premises.