Very Good Francis Barker Pocket Compass with RGS Variant Dial C1905

A rare and very good Francis Barker hunter cased pocket compass with RGS variant dial in original cloth bag c1905. Pocket compass having 1½” diameter hand decorated floating aluminium card on jewelled suspension, the outer scale 0-360°, divided to 5°, marked with cardinals and intercardinals, dots indicating the false points, large orange arrow on black surround indicating north. The lower part marked “Regd No. 355639.” Low dome crystal. The whole in a japanned brass hunter case, pendant and bow, lid activated transit lock. The inner lid with lubber line and three orange dots.

Together with its original soft cloth bag. Condition: 

In excellent original condition, the card very clean, swinging freely and finding north easily. The outer case retaining almost all of its original japanned finish. The hinge strong, the transit lock working correctly. The bag with some fraying and marks, otherwise good.

 Comments: A less common variation of the Barker RGS pattern dial, this card design was registered in 1900. The north arrow and lubber line dots probably highlighted in Balmain’s luminous paint.

 In wonderful condition, this Barker compass is one for the collector or an unusual gift.