Newquay Sailing Club was founded in 1954 and this hunter cased pocket compass appears to have been given as prize for the team race competition in 1956, so quite early in the clubs history.
Engraved "N.S.C. Newquay Cup Team Race 1956"on the underside, the compass itself was probably made by Francis Barker and is the MK VII version which was the last model of the pocket watch style designs that were developed during WW1 for British Army Officers.
Set in a nickel plated case with a gemstone pivot floating dial, it's in good dent free condition and fully working.
Measuring 45mm in diameter, this is not only a collectable compass in its own right, but with the added interest for anyone associated with Newquay Sailing Club which is still active today.

The Chadburn family has a long history in the manufacture of scientific instruments during the 19th century and this example of a mid Victorian pocket compass is signed 'CHADBURN & SON, LIVERPOOL' being Charles Henry and his son William, who worked in Liverpool between 1857 to 1875.
Set in a hinged mahogany block 65mm square with a shapely blued-steel needle engraved N & S in faded gold lettering, it has a paper dial divided into four 90 degree quadrants.
The needle is held by a transit lock which comes into play when the lid is closed and is fastened with an attractive 7 shaped brass clasp.
Interestingly, on the inside lid is hand scribed "Needle points 17° ? W of N", I think this may indicate the magnetic declination of that time, which according to historical declination charts puts the inscription around 1890.
In good working order, an antique compass with a traditional design.

Dating to the second half of the 19th century, this French equinoctial compass sundial is housed in a polished mahogany case measuring 95mm square.
The blued steel needle pivots on a gemstone bearing over a polished aluminium dial with a 360 degree stepped chapter ring, under a clean crystal held in place by a brass retaining plate.
Above the glass sits the folding latitude arc with divisions from zero to 70 degrees and a sundial gnomen for noting the hours.
Weighing just under 220 grams and in good working order, the case lid is fastened with two shapely brass clasps which also activates the needle transit lock.

This is an impressive example of a desktop mahogany compass, signed "H. Hughes & Son Ltd London. E.C." on the dial.
Founded in 1828, Henry Hughes was a prolific and highly respected instrument maker, later joined by his son Alexander Hughes in the late 19th century until the firm was incorporated as Henry Hughes and Son Ltd in 1903.
The black and white sunburst compass dial is in good, clean condition, has 32 cardinal and inter cardinal points with a full 360 degree scale, the black and steel needle pivots on a gemstone bearing under a clean glass crystal.
Measuring 8"by 8" by 1½" (206mm x 206mm x 39mm), it is a substantial compass, in very good condition, with only some light scratches on the the lid which fastens shut with two brass clasps.
In full working order finding North easily and weighing just under 900 grams, this is a quality antique compass from a prestigious maker.

This elegant brass cased pocket compass dates to the second half of the 19th century and is signed 'H.Hughes & Son, 59 Fenchurch St, London' around the centre of the dial.
Made by Henry Hughes & Son around 1870, the stylish blued steel directional needle is engraved N & S in gold lettering & pivots on a brass capped bearing above a traditional dial, under a clean crystal with only very minor edge chips.
Although the lacquered brass case does have some minor lacquer loss on the underside, it is free of any dents or deformities.
A fine antique compass, it has the classic compass rose design with a distinctive Fleur de Lis crest denoting North, and its original brass push fit lid.
In good working order, this antique compass is in very good condition and measures 38mm in diameter.

An impressive gimbal mounted mariners compass dating to the mid 19th century.
The floating dial pivots on a gemstone bearing, with the outer scale marked in four 90 degree quadrants, and a fleur de lis denoting North.
In generally good condition all round, there is some minor damage on the very outer edge of the card dial at the South position (see photo).
The compass is mounted in a dovetail jointed mahogany box with a later mahogany lid, dimensions are 5¾" square by 4" high, and the lacquered brass bowl diameter is just under 3¾".
In good working order, this fine decorative antique weighs just under 950 grams.

This large surveying compass was made around the middle of the 19th century by James Gargory, an optician and instrument maker who operated out of Birmingham and Wolverhampton between 1830 to 1875, and died in 1881.
The attractive silvered dial is signed "J. Gargory Fecit. 41 Bull St, Birm'n"and has a stepped outer chapter ring with a 0-360 degrees scale in one degree increments.
He is recorded as working at the 41 Bull St address between 1850 to 1856.
A substantial compass weighing just under 800 grams and measuring 5 ½ (135mm) square, it's visually very impressive, despite the fact that it's had noticeable repair work on the lid and hinge (see photos).
In good working order including the transit lock, the lid is designed to lift off and it also comes with a removable tripod adapter.

Dating to the post WW2 period, this unsigned bridge compass with clinometer was made by Francis Barker & Son who produced these on a wholesale basis for others to retail.
Mainly used by surveyors, it also incorporates a pendulous arm for measuring rise and fall on an inches per yard scale and the black compass needle pivots on a gemstone bearing above a decorative dial with a 360 degree scale.
Measuring 75mm in diameter, the compass is in full working order including the transit lock which is activated by a brass knob on the side, and comes in its original brown leather case which is also in very good condition.

This is a 20th century prismatic compass originally used for educational purposes, with a green aluminium dial set within a grey crackle finish alloy body. Although not signed this was made by Francis Barker & Son in the 1970's, and incorporates a removable prism and plastic sight vane.
There is also a screw operated transit lock, and the dial pivots on a gemstone bearing producing a consistent reading, finding North quickly with minimal lag before settling.
Measuring just over 100mm in overall diameter, it's in good working order and excellent cosmetic condition.
An accurate and practical compass which also looks good as a desk ornament when not in use.

A fine example of a full hunter cased pocket watch style compass, with a gemstone pivot floating dial, and set in a nickel plated case.
Although not signed by any maker, it was probably made by Francis Barker in the pre WW2 period, and is the MK VII version which was the last model of the pocket watch style designs that were developed during WW1 for British Army Officers.
In good condition, the dent free case retains all its nickel plating and has a clean undamaged crystal.
All in good working order, it measures 45mm in diameter.

Made by Francis Barker in the pre WW2 period this particular Angle of Sight instrument has a dual purpose function in that it incorporates a prismatic compass consisting of a green card dial with a 360 degree scale, and a Centimetres per Metre clinometer visible in the vertical plane.
These two functions are controlled by the brass button on the side which locks the compass when using the clinometer, and vice versa.
In good condition, the body is engraved 'PATENT NO 1926. MADE BY F. BARKER & SON LONDON FOR CASTANON MONGEY. CIA MADRID. 4751'.
This type of instrument was often used by civil engineers and also artillery regiments in the British army for range and trajectory calculations to target heavy guns.
In good condition including its leather case, the only blemish being some scuffing around the edges of the green card dial.
A precision instrument in good working order, it weighs 430 grams in its case and measures 70mm in diameter across the main body.

This small brass cased pocket compass with a separate push fit lid dates to the last quarter of the 19th century and was made by Francis Barker & Son as evidenced by the small FBS logo within the Trademark London triangle (the reversed 'S' indicating it was made after the death of Francis Barker in 1875).
In good condition all round, the distinctive black & white Singers Patent style aluminium dial has a star denoting North, housed under a clean glass crystal
In working order and measuring 40mm in diameter, the polished brass case is free of any dents as is the original domed lid and comes with a modern velvet drawstring pouch for added protection.

This early Victorian pocket compass dates to circa 1850, and is set in a hinged mahogany block 2½" (65mm) square, with two chamfered edges on the lid.
The shapely blued steel needle sits above a clean paper compass rose divided into four 90 degree quadrants, and also showing all the points of the compass with a fleur de lys for North.
The needle locks in position for transit by a brass pin which comes into play when the lid is closed, and is fastened with an elegant 7 shaped brass clasp.
A genuine antique compass with an attractive compass rose design, in very good cosmetic condition and good working order.

Although unsigned, the design and style of this pocket compass is very similar to one made by a relatively unknown maker W. H Moralee who was working in North Shields during the first half of the 19th century.
A genuine antique compass, it has a distinctive black & white floating card dial which pivots on a gemstone under a clean glass crystal.
Housed in a dent free polished brass case, with original push fit lid, there is a small chip in the glass edge where a transit lock would have been but is no longer present. Nevertheless this does not affect the function of the compass which is in good working order and measures 55mm diameter by 15mm deep.

Dennison compasses from the World War I period have always been highly sought after by collectors, but this example is particularly special as it comes with its original Dennison branded box.
Engraved 'Dennison Birmingham VI 58319 1917' it also has the military arrow /|\ on the lid, showing it was issued in to service.
Housed in a full hunter dent free nickel case, the beveled glass crystal covers a jewelled bearing floating dial, which has all its original markings intact.
In excellent cosmetic condition and fully working, it measures 45mm in diameter not including the stem.
These iconic compasses in their original box very rarely come up for sale, so this would be a great addition to any collection.

Made by J H Steward toward the latter part of the 19th Century, this distinctive hunter cased pocket compass has a classic black & white design on a mother of pearl jewelled pivot dial and is signed 'J. H. Steward, London'.
It's in very good clean condition with a clear undamaged crystal, on which the main cardinal points are painted in red on the underside.
The brass body measures 54mm in diameter not including the bow, and is also in good condition with no dents.
This is a sturdy compass in full working order, and there is also a transit lock activated by lid closure to secure the dial when not in use.

Similar in design to the Verner's MK III pattern, this early 20th century brass cased half-hunter compass was made by Lawrence and Mayo and interestingly appears to be titled "The Groper" which reassuringly relates to the lesser known dictionary definition 'To make one's way'.
L & M trace their roots to two London based Jewish families, who set up operations all over the world, initially in London and then the Indian subcontinent.
Not much information is available on the early history of the company in London, but its reputation as makers of high quality scientific instruments was well known. Records show that L & M opened its first Indian office in Calcutta in the year 1877 and rapidly became India's leading opticians with a prestigious client list that included Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Neru.
This non-prismatic model has a white compass card surrounded by a silvered bearing ring as well as a manual transit lock and finger brake on one side.
In full working order, it measures 50mm in diameter and is in good dent free condition with a clean undamaged beveled crystal, although the rubber anti slip ring on the underside is a later replacement.

Made from bronzed brass, this late 19th century Surveyors compass is signed "Negretti & Zambra London" on the dial.
In full working order, the cross bar needle incorporating a jewelled pivot, is set over a silvered aluminium two tier dial with a 360 degree outer scale, and 90 degree quadrants on the inner scale.
The two sight vanes at either side also activate a transit lock when folded and the face glass remains protected under a matching press fit lid when not in use.
Located on the underside is a threaded boss for the accompanying tripod attachment, which would have been used by surveyors when mapping topography.
An impressive instrument in good working order, it has a dial diameter of 75mm and weighs just under 500 grams with it's tripod attachment.

This WW1 era Verner's Pattern MK VI prismatic marching compass was the forerunner of the more common MK VII and MK VIII models used during WW1.
It's dated 1912 and signed 'E.R. WATTS & SON, LONDON. 1912, No 3646 \|//|\' on the underside and stamped 'VERNER'S PATTERN VI' on the lid.
The double broad arrow also shows it was later officially decommissioned for sale into the civilian market.
The MK VI is less common and unusual to find in relatively good condition, particularly with its centre paper label completely intact, although the anti slip ring appears to be a later replacement. It is accompanied by a leather case which is in good condition with all stitching intact and has the letters "E.V.B" impressed on one side, and on the other side is written "J R Richardson R.M" in faint pen, which would have been a previous owner, possibly in the Royal Marines.
In good working order, it has the mother of pearl dial for low light reading and is not only a sought after compass for a collector, but still practical today for hill walking and similar pursuits.

This elegant brass cased pocket compass with a separate push fit lid dates to the second half of the 19th century.
An unsigned example, it has an English cross bar needle pivoting on a gemstone bearing over a paper dial, denoting 32 cardinal and inter cardinal points.
In working order and measuring 40mm in diameter, the brass case is free of any dents, as is the matching original lid, in addition the separate push button transit lock is also fully functional.
Supplied with a modern velvet drawstring pouch for added protection.

An iconic WW1 British Army Officers MK VI pocket compass, engraved Dennison Birmingham VI 51892 1917 with the military arrow on the lid, showing it was issued in to service.
Housed in a full hunter dent free nickel case, the beveled glass crystal covers an attractive jewelled bearing floating dial, which has all its original markings intact.
In excellent cosmetic condition and fully working, it measures 45mm in diameter not including the stem.
A fine example from the most prolific maker of this style of compass.

Dating to circa 1820, this impressive Georgian travellers pocket compass is set in a hinged mahogany case measuring 3" (78mm) square.
Complimented by the small hand made brass hinges and fastened with a 7 shaped brass clasp, the paper compass rose is divided into four 90 degree quadrants showing all the points of the compass with a fleur de lys for North, and is in very good condition for a 200 year old compass.
The elegant blued steel needle is also engraved with 'N' & 'S' gold letters for clarity, and sits under a glass crystal which is free of any damage.
In good working order, the needle is locked in position for transit by a brass pin which comes into play when the lid is closed.
The mahogany case is free of any splits or cracks, although there is a small pencil mark on the interior lid (see photo).
A genuine antique compass with a traditional design, it comes with a modern velvet drawstring pouch for added protection.

Dating to the early part of the 19th Century, this Georgian brass cased explorers pocket compass has a distinctive floating card dial of an early design.
Although unsigned, the black and white dial is in very good condition and is divided into four 90 degree quadrants with a Fleur De Lis denoting North and pivots on a brass bearing housed under a clean glass crystal, which is free of any chips or cracks.
The dent free brass case is also in good condition, still having much of its original lacquer, coupled with a warm aged patina and protected by a separate push on lid.
In good working order the compass measures 70mm diameter, 20mm deep and weighs just under 220 grams.

This distinctive late Victorian brass cased pocket compass dating to around 1890, was made by the renowned firm of J H Steward and is signed 'J.H.STEWARD, 406 & 457 STRAND, LONDON'.
The silvered aluminium compass dial has 8 cardinal points and an outer scale divided into four quadrants, calibrated in one degree increments.
Direction is indicated by an English cross bar needle which pivots on a jewelled bearing under a clean undamaged crystal, and the dent free brass case is in good original condition with its brass lid, both for protecting the glass crystal and engaging the built in transit lock.
In full working order, the dimensions are 70mm diameter and 17mm deep, a quite rare yet robust compass by a very collectable maker.

This pocket compass dates to the WW1 era and has a distinctive black & white Singers patent style dial housed in a full hunter case, which is nickel plated on the inside and polished brass on the outside.
Similar in operation to the Dennison type pocket compasses of the same period, the aluminium dial pivots on a gemstone bearing and is set under a clean bevelled crystal.
In good working order and dent free, this is an impressive compass measuring 45mm diameter, not including the bow.

This mid 19th century brass prismatic sighting compass made by Elliott Brothers is signed 'ELLIOTT BROS, CHARING CROSS, LONDON' on the dial around the pivot.
The founder William Elliott formed a partnership with his sons Frederick and Charles in 1850 and the firm became known as Elliott & Sons, the name later changing to Elliott Bros from 1854 after William retired in 1853. The Charing Cross address dates this compass to 1856-1858 as they only operated from this address for that period.
In full working order including the transit lock activated by the folding sight vane, the cosmetic condition is good, with a clean crystal under which the floating green card dial pivots on a gemstone bearing.
The fitted lid and underside is inscribed with an issue number of '365' and doubles as a stand when attached to the base.
A quality antique instrument measuring 75mm in diameter it comes in a leather case which is also in good condition with some repairs to the straps. The case has the number 254 imprinted along with some lettering, possibly of a previous owner but difficult to read.
The compass and case together weigh just under 300 grams.

This Angle of Sight instrument is dual purpose in that it incorporates a prismatic compass, consisting of a silvered ring dial with a 360 degree scale, and an inches per yard clinometer visible in the vertical plane. These two functions are controlled by the brass button on the side which locks the compass when using the clinometer, and vice versa.
(A similar model appears in a 1919 Francis Barker catalogue, where its referred to as a ‘combined altitude instrument and prismatic compass’)
Retaining virtually all of its original black finish, it’s engraved 'Cooke Troughton & Simms Ltd, YORK. ENGLAND'.
In full working order, this type of instrument was often used by civil engineers and also artillery regiments in the British army for range calculations and targeting heavy guns.
In very good condition including its leather case, this is a substantial instrument, which weighs 500 grams including the case, and measures 70mm in diameter across the main body.

This impressive English surveyors compass was made sometime around the beginning of the 19th century and has a stepped outer chapter ring with the scale engraved 0-360 degrees in one degree increments.
The shapely blued steel needle pivots above the silvered dial under a clean, chip free glass crystal, and also has a lid activated transit lock.
A substantial quality compass example it measures 135mm x 130mm x 31mm, with a dial diameter of 110mm, and weighs just over 500 grams.
In good working order, the cosmetic condition of the compass is very good with a clean dial and although unsigned, the quality would indicate it was likely made by one of the more prominent instrument makers of the time, possibly Dollond.

Dating to the first quarter of the 19th century, this surveyors compass is signed 'Bate London'.
Robert Brettell Bate started out in 1804, inheriting his uncles business and quickly rose to prominence as a provider of hydrometers following the death of Bartholomew Sikes, before expanding into optics and other scientific and mathematical instruments.
In 1833 he served as Master of the Spectacle Makers’ Guild and as well as writing and publishing a number of instructional handbooks, he was also Optician in Ordinary to King George IV and Queen Victoria and operated out of 21 Poultry Lane until his death in 1847.
This impressive brass surveying compass has two foldable sight vanes set above a silvered dial with 8 cardinal and intercardinal points surrounded by a full 360 degree stepped scale, and a steel needle that pivots on a brass bearing.
The entire dial can be fully rotated by turning of a brass knob on the underside, which would have been used for surveyors to maintain their sightline to geographical landmarks, whilst also recording their relative position to North without physically rotating the compass.
The underside has a threaded boss for attaching to a tripod as well as a sliding transit lock to hold the needle in place when not in use. (please note there are later replacement fixings attaching the boss to the underside).
Although the lid has a minor dent (see photos) it fits the compass frame securely, protecting the glass when not in use.
In full working order, this is a substantial item weighing 1430 grams, measuring 125mm in diameter and 210mm in length.
A quite unique compass by an important instrument maker also celebrated for his nautical instruments.

An unusual example of a WW1 British Army Officers MK VI pocket compass made as a commemorative piece, engraved 'MNF BY L. KAMM WAR SOUVENIR 1914 - 1919 LONDON' although the markings are quite worn but still readable.
Housed in a Dennison nickel case which is in very good condition, the beveled glass crystal covers an attractive floating dial with a gemstone bearing for reduced friction.
In good working order, it measures 45mm in diameter not including the stem.

This large Victorian mahogany cased desk top compass measures 6¼" (160mm) dial diameter, the case being 7¼" (185mm) square by (28mm) depth, and made during the last quarter of the 19th century in London, for use as an educational aid in schools.
The Elementary Education Act of 1870 created elected school boards to build & run schools, and this compass was made for the London School Board by the maker W.W. Hooper, the attractive paper dial reads 'SCHOOL BOARD FOR LONDON. W.W. HOOPER, BOW, E.'
The School boards were abolished in 1902 and replaced by local education authorities.
Not only a very impressive compass, but also quite a rare item which is part of social history.
In good condition, there is a repair to a couple of age cracks in the mahogany base which have been wax filled, (see photo).
North is a fleur-de-lis and there are 32 Cardinal & inter cardinal points plus an outer scale with four 90 degree quadrants.
Weighing just under 500 grams, it's in good working order including the transit lock activated by lid closure.

This early 20th century gimbal mounted ships compass carries the famous 'Sestrel' logo, the trademark of Henry Browne & Son, the important and highly respected maker of quality nautical instruments, used on naval & merchant ships since the mid 19th century.
The dry card floating dial pivots on a gemstone bearing, has 32 cardinal and inter cardinal points with the outer edge having a 360 degree scale, and North is denoted by the distinctive triangular Sestrel logo.
In excellent condition all round, the card dial is clean and the glass cover is free from any chips or cracks.
The compass is mounted in a hardwood box with separate sliding lid, dimensions are 5 ½" (140mm) square by 4" (100mm) deep, and the compass bowl diameter is 3¼ "(80mm).
An impressive compass in good working order and would look great in most surroundings, it weighs just over 1kg.

This is an elegant Victorian brass cased traveller's pocket compass dating to circa 1860.
Although unsigned this compass is clearly a quality piece with a floating card dial which is surprisingly clean for an item well over 150 years old.
The distinctive black and white dial has 32 cardinal and inter cardinal points with a fluer de lis indicating north, under a clean crystal.
Housed in dent free brass case with original domed lid, it's in full working order and measures 50mm diameter by 15mm deep.

Dating to the first half of the 19th century circa 1840, this is a Mariners brass gimballed compass.
Housed in a brass case with a separate brass lid, it measures 77mm in overall diameter, and stands 40mm high.
In good condition, the traditional compass card pivots on a brass bearing, and sits in a 62mm diameter brass bowl.
Although unsigned this is clearly a quality instrument weighing just over 310 grams, and probably made by one of the more prominent makers of the day.
In working order, the brass has been highly polished and the lead balancing weight on the bowl underside is a little untidy, but doesn't detract from what is quite a rare antique compass.

This WW2 full hunter cased British Army Officers pocket compass is engraved 'MK VI 1940, F Barker & Son (1932) Ltd, London, B5689' on the lid and also has the War department military arrow, which shows it was issued into service.
Made by Francis Barker and set in a Dennison hunter case, stamped 'DENNISON WATCH CASE CO LTD' inside the base cover, its in very good condition, with a bevelled glass crystal covering the jewelled floating dial.
Measuring 45mm in diameter and in full working order, with a transit lock activated by lid closure.

A rare example of a MK 3 military prismatic compass, made by Henry Browne and Son, probably a few years after WW2.
It has a liquid damped bowl, free of any bubbles with a mother of pearl dial calibrated in 360 degrees, and is in full working order finding and settling on north quickly.
The compass body is of blackened brass, with only some minor paint loss here and there with the rubber anti slip ring on the base also in good condition.
Engraved on the base is 'H.B. & S. Ltd BARKING /|\ MK 3 REF. No. 6E/395 No 226/52', it also has the War department broad arrow, indicating this compass was issued into military service.
It comes with a sturdy leather carry case which is in good original condition and unbroken stitching.
Weighing just under 350 grams in it's case, a collectable military compass from a well respected maker, and still very practical for use today.

This WW2 era MK IX prismatic marching compass is very similar to the original Verner's style compasses of WW1, with only subtle differences.
It has a clean aluminium dial with a gemstone bearing, and is in very good condition, retaining virtually all its original black finish.
Complete with its leather case embossed 'England', it also has a sturdy carry strap and all stitching is intact.
In excellent condition, and in full working order, it's accompanied by the 72 page handbook 'MAP WORK FOR CADETS AND OTHERS By Edward V. Lane' first published in 1943, which aside from a worn spine (see photo) is in otherwise good condition.
Although unsigned, Francis Barker had the patent rights for many military compasses including this model, and its likely this is a Barker compass or made under licence.

This is a rare example of a late 19th century deck compass with a Singer's Patent mother of pearl dial, mounted on gimbals in a mahogany case with a hinged lid.
Usually these styles of compasses are quite large, but this particular example, is only 97mm square and 70mm in height, with the compass bowl being just 58mm in diameter, making it a very compact version and therefore much less common.
The floating dial is of the distinctive singer's patent style black and white pattern and is printed with the words 'SINGER'S PATENT'.
It pivots on a gemstone bearing, and is set within a lacquered brass bowl which is free of any knocks or dents and retains most of its original finish.
The cosmetic condition is very good, although the wooden box lid has been reconstructed to a large extent, but is perfectly sound and snaps shut.
A robust little compass weighing under 340 grams it's in full working order with a clean dial and glass crystal.

A nice example of an early Victorian mahogany cased pocket compass measuring 57mm square by 24mm deep, with an attractive paper dial, it dates to the middle part of the 19th century.
The lid is attached by small hand made square hinges, fastened with a 7 shaped brass clasp and the paper compass rose is divided into four 90 degree quadrants, showing all the points of the compass with a fleur de lys for North.
The steel directional needle is impressed with a gold dot for North, and sits under the clean glass crystal which is free of any damage.
On the underside is written faintley "W Lee. London Road Reading, Berks", there looks to be additional, illegible text written (see photo).
My limited research suggests the compass may have belonged to William Lee who was proprietor of The Marquis of Granby tavern from 1856 to 1875. The Marquis of Granby itself dates to the late 1700's and operated consistently for almost 150 years before being converted into a cinema in the early 20th century.
A genuine antique compass, it's in full working order including a transit lock activated by lid closure, this is a small part of Readings social history.

James Joseph Hicks worked in Hatton Garden, London from 1861, making and selling a wide variety of instruments, becoming one of the most prolific instrument makers in the country during the 19th century.
This impressive late Victorian hunter cased pocket compass is very faintly signed 'J HICKS LONDON' on the attractive aluminium black and white dial which pivots on a gemstone bearing under a clear beveled glass, which also has the main cardinal points printed in red.
Housed in a brass case free from any dents, it is slightly tarnished on the underside and has a previous owners lightly scribed initials 'DMD' (see photo).
In full working order including the transit lock which is activated when the lid is closed, this is a nice example of a more unusual pocket compass by a prestigious instrument maker.
Measuring 50mm diameter by 15mm deep and weighing just under 140 grams, it comes in a later velvet drawstring pouch for protection.

The majority of MK V British Army Officers pocket compasses were made during the WW1 period up to 1917, when they were superceded by the MK VI version.
This 1916 example is engraved 'Dennison Birmingham V 105660 1916' with the military arrow on the lid, showing it was issued in to service.
The full hunter nickel case is in very good condition free of any dents, and the beveled glass crystal covers a Singers Patent style jewelled bearing dial, which has all its original markings intact.
In good working order, it measures 45mm in diameter not including the stem.

This is an elegant Victorian brass cased travellers compass with a very clean traditional dial, denoting 16 cardinal and inter cardinal points, under a clean crystal.
The stylish blued steel needle has N & S engraved in gold lettering for clarity, and the brass case is in good condition, with no dents.
A fine antique compass dating to the mid 19th century, it has the classic compass rose design with a distinctive Fleur de Lis crest denoting North and its original brass push fit lid.
In full working order and measuring 45mm diameter and 12mm deep, it weighs just 40 grams, it comes with a modern velvet drawstring pouch for added protection.

A larger than usual full hunter cased pocket compass, with a decorative black on white floating card dial on a jewelled pivot, covered by a domed crystal which is in good undamaged condition.
Pocket watch style compasses are usually 45mm diameter, but this model is 52mm diameter and 16mm in depth.
In good working order, the case is in good dent free condition and has been polished back to brass on the outside which contrasts nicely with the nickel plating on the inside.
Although unsigned this is a quality compass in full working order, dating to the latter part 19th century.

Dating to circa 1820, this impressive Georgian travellers compass is set in a hinged mahogany case measuring 67mm square.
Complimented by the small hand made triangular brass hinges and fastened with a 7 shaped brass clasp, the paper compass rose is divided into four 90 degree quadrants showing all the points of the compass with a fleur de lys for North, and is in very good condition for a 200 year old compass.
The elegant blued steel needle is also engraved with 'N' & 'S' letters and sits under a clean glass crystal.
In good working order, the needle is locked in position for transit by a brass pin which comes into play when the lid is closed, and two pins on either side of the dial to keep the lid flush with the main body.
A genuine antique compass with a traditional design, the mahogany case is free of any splits or cracks.

This is a Hutchinsons Form Prismatic compass made by Francis Barker in the pre-WW1 period.
Engraved 'BARKERS PATENT PAT: No:29677 1910' it has seven cardinal and intercardinal points etched into the frame body and would have been used for either mining or military purposes.
A precision instrument which incorporates a prismatic compass, consisting of a black on white aluminium dial with red dot North point and a transparant 360 degree outer rim (per the patent), a folding sight vane and its original leather case which is in very good condition with all stitching intact.
In excellent condition, the black anodised brass retains virtually all its original finish and is in good working order, weighing 260 grams in its case and measuring 70mm in diameter across the main body.

Dating to circa 1820, this impressive Georgian compass is set in a hinged mahogany case measuring 3" (75mm) square, with a half chamfer on the lid.
Complimented by the small hand made brass hinges and fastened with a 7 shaped brass clasp, the paper compass rose is divided into four 90 degree quadrants showing all the points of the compass with a fleur de lys for North, and is in very good condition for a 200 year old compass.
The elegant blued steel needle is also engraved with 'N' & 'S' gold letters for clarity, and sits under a glass crystal which is free of any damage.
In good working order, the needle is locked in position for transit by a brass pin which comes into play when the lid is closed.
Apart from two lightly scored intersecting lines on the lid, the mahogany case is free of any splits or cracks and has a warm patination that only comes with the passage of time.
A genuine antique compass with a traditional design, it comes with a modern velvet drawstring pouch for added protection.

This is a Victorian green card prismatic compass engraved 'NEGRETTI & ZAMBRA, LONDON' on the separate lid.
Dating to the second half of the 19th century, circa 1880, this would have been a precision instrument of high quality in its time, and likely used for surveying by both military and civilian personnel.
The large upright sight vane locks the compass card for transit, and the front prismatic viewer has a brass swivel dust cover.
Made of black lacquered brass, with a separate push on lid for protecting the glass crystal, the floating card pivots on a gemstone bearing for reduced friction.
In good cosmetic condition and despite the outer casing showing its age, the interior is very clean and tidy.
Measuring 100mm in diameter and 25mm in depth, it weighs just over 500grams and is in full working order.
It comes in a modern velvet drawstring pouch for protection.

This is a very elegant early 19th century pocket compass circa 1820, set unusually in a hinged mahogany block with rounded corners.
It has a shapely blued steel needle pivoting over a clean starburst paper dial divided into four quadrants of 90 degrees, and also showing all the points of the compass.
The lid has small hand made triangular hinges, and is fastened with an elegant 7 shaped brass clasp.
Measuring just over 50mm square, this is a classic Georgian compass, in good working order including the transit lock.

An elegant mid Victorian pocket compass set in a mahogany case, with an attractive paper dial, divided into 90 degree quadrants and displaying 32 cardinal and inter-cardinal points.
Dating to around 1880, it has a glass crystal which is retained by a brass bezel, and a shapely blued steel needle, with ‘N’ & ‘S engraved in gold lettering.
This is a nice clean compass, with both crystal and dial in good condition, the lid is attached with two rectangular hinges and the transit lock activates on lid closure, fastened with a 7 shaped brass clasp.
Measuring 70mm x 70mm x 20mm, a nice antique compass in good working order.

Dating to the early 1900's, this Ross marching compass is very similar to the Verner's MK III patterns and was likely Ross's own design.
The lid is engraved 'ROSS Ltd, 31 COCKSPUR St. S.W. just above the small sighting window.
A non prismatic model, the white compass card is surrounded by a silvered bearing ring with a brass manual stop & finger brake on one side.
In full working order, it measures 2" in diameter and is in good cosmetic condition, with a chip free crystal.

A nice condition WW1 British Army Officers MK VI pocket compass, engraved Dennison Birmingham VI 121020 1917 and with the military arrow on the lid, showing it was issued in to service.
The full hunter nickel case is in very good condition. The bevelled glass crystal covers an attractive jewelled bearing floating dial.
In full working order, it measures 45mm in diameter not including the stem, a nice example from the most prolific maker of this style of compass.

Early Victorian nickel bodied pocket compass set in a burgundy velvet lined, leather covered outer case.
Direction is indicated by an elegant blued steel needle, engraved N & S in gold for clarity, above a traditional enamelled dial, all set under a clean domed shape crystal.
Dating from around 1850, not only is this compass a rare item, but the condition is excellent, including the outer case which still has its original ornate brass clasp.
Measuring 43mm diameter, the compass is in full working order and although unsigned, a quality antique in excess of 150 years old.

An early 19th Century mahogany cased travellers pocket compass circa 1820, made by W & S Jones LONDON as written around the centre of the dial.
Founded in the late 18th century by their father John Jones and later taken over by brothers William and Samuel, W & S Jones was a prolific optical, mathmatical and navigational instrument manufacturer between 1791-1860, and operated out of 30 Holborn London until Samuels death in 1859.
A rare example, with both crystal and dial in good condition, it measures 3" (75mm) square and has a half chamfer on the lid attached to the base by two hand made brass hinges.
The shapely blued steel needle-engraved N & S for clarity, pivots above a traditional paper sunburst dial, divided into 90 degree quadrants showing all the points of the compass and a fleur de lys for North.
In good working order with a functioning transit lock that activates on lid closure, a very collectable compass by an important maker.

Introduced in 1895, this Col. Verner's Sergeant's non prismatic compass by J. H. Steward is the forerunner to the successful range of Verner's pattern compasses, used extensively by the British military throughout WW1 until the start of WW2.
Designed by Colonel William Willoughby Cole Verner (1852-1922) who served in the Boer war, this is a fine example of what is a significant compass in the development of military pocket compasses.
It measures 45mm diameter across the body, and incorporates an automatic transit lock activated by lid closure.
A rare and important compass for military collectors, it's in good working order and the cosmetic condition is surprisingly good for a compass that is over 120 years old.

Considered to be the best hand held military compass in the world, this Francis Barker M-73 prismatic compass is in virtually mint condition with no paint loss, as can be seen from the photos.
Currently in use by many military forces around the world including NATO, it's made from brass/aluminium, and this example carries the Nato stock no 6605-99-960-0789 on the reverse, along with its serial no '88572' .
It's the liquid filled mils version with a precision sapphire bearing and comes with a quality stitched leather case and shoulder strap for protection in the field.
You really can't get a more accurate compass, and this is perfect for anyone involved in outdoor pursuits who needs a precision compass.
In good working order with no bubbles in the liquid, the tritium lights on the dial appear to still be active, although not as bright as when new, and there is no tritium light on the lid slot.

Weighs just over 360 grams in its case.

This is an impressive desk top compass measuring 6 ½" (165mm) in diameter, and made by Francis Barker & Son carrying their small but familiar Trade Mark London, arranged in a triangle with an inset logo reading B&S.
The attractive paper dial is in clean condition and is set under a jewelled steel needle measuring nearly 4.5" (115mm) in length, the glass crystal is also original and in excellent condition.
Weighing just under 300 grams and dating to around 1890, this mahogany cased compass was probably intended for use as an interesting desk ornament, a purpose it would still fulfil today.
In full working order, it finds North well and takes a little time to settle, a quite splendid Victorian compass with rare novelty value.

An early Victorian pocket compass set in a mahogany case, with an attractive paper sunburst dial, divided into 90 degree quadrants and displaying 32 cardinal and inter-cardinal points.
Dating to around 1860, it has its original glass crystal which is retained by a brass bezel, and a stylish blued steel needle, impressed with ‘N’ & ‘S’ gold letters.
As with many wood cased compasses of the period this is unsigned, but the use of concealed hinges attaching the lid to the base, was a feature used predominately by Francis Barker, and it’s very likely this compass was made by Barker.
This is a nice clean compass, with both crystal and dial in good condition and a transit lock activated on lid closure.
A classic 19th century antique, it measures 62mm x 62mm x 16mm, and the lid is fastened with an elegant 7 shaped brass clasp.

Wood cased compasses are for the most part unsigned, but this travellers compass has a makers name which reads BANCKS LONDON on the lid.
Dating to sometime between 1796 to 1820 this is Robert Bancks, optician to the Prince of Wales who later became King George IV.
Better known for his microscopes, his instruments were signed either Banks or Bancks, and later in 1820 became Bancks & Son, who made microscopes & telescopes for Charles Darwin.
Set in a mahogany case, with an attractive paper sunburst dial, divided into 90 degree quadrants and displaying 32 cardinal and inter-cardinal points, it's in very good condition with a glass crystal retained by a brass bezel, and a shapely blued steel needle engraved 'N' & 'S' in gold letters.
In good working order, the lid is attached with two hand made square hinges and is fastened with a central brass clasp activating a transit lock when closed.
Measuring 3" (75mm) square, a very collectable compass that is well over 200 years old and signed by a renowned maker with Royal accreditation.

This brass cased, green card dial prismatic compass will be of particular interest to Negretti & Zambra collectors as it also carries the name of 'Hirsbrunner & Co Shanghai' who were sole agents for importing Negretti & Zambra instruments in to China.
Made towards the end of the 19th century circa 1890, the compass is in good cosmetic condition with a clean crystal window, under which the green dial pivots on a gemstone bearing.
In full working order, this is a quality antique instrument measuring 70mm diameter & comes with its original leather case which is also in good condition.
Compass and case together weigh just over 270 grams.

This is a very early WW1 'Angle of Sight' instrument with a low serial number, and made by J H Steward in 1916.
Most examples I have seen in the past were from the WW2 period, so quite unusual to find one this early in such good condition.
Constructed from bronzed brass, its engraved 'Angle of Sight Instrument, H.A. MK I, J. H. Steward Ltd, 1916, No 419'.
It comes with the original leather case also numbered 419, which carries the War Department arrow showing that it was military issue.
A precision instrument which incorporates a prismatic compass, consisting of a green card dial with Fleur de Lis North pointer, and a clinometer visible in the vertical plane.
In excellent condition retaining virtually all its original finish, and in full working order this type of instrument was often used by artillery regiments in the British army for range calculations and targeting heavy guns.
In good working order, weighing 425 grams in its case and measuring 70mm in diameter across the main body.

A nice example of a full hunter cased pocket watch style compass, with a gemstone pivot floating dial, engraved 'Mark VII, T.A.R.S & W Ltd, B10963'.
Made in the pre WW2 period, this is the MK VII version which was the last model of the hunter cased pocket watch style designs that were developed during WW1, and this particular one carries the War Dept arrow denoting it was issued to the military.
The initials stand for T. A. Reynolds. Son & Wardale who were instrument makers of the time, but the prefix B on the serial number indicates that the compass was probably sourced by Reynolds from Francis Barker who almost certainly made the compass.
In excellent condition, the case is good with no dents and a clean undamaged crystal, all in fine working order, including an automatic transit lock when lid closed.
Measures 45mm in diameter.

This very distinctive Victorian pocket compass is engraved 'Gregory & Co London' inside the lid, but it also has the Francis Barker trademark logo stamped in the centre, so was probably made by Barker for retail by Gregory.
The compass is in very good condition and direction is indicated by an English cross bar needle with a gemstone pivot bearing above a clean paper dial, all housed under a clean glass crystal.
In full working order, the brass hunter case is free of any dents and activates a transit lock when the lid is closed.
An elegant yet robust antique compass measuring 45mm diameter and 15mm deep.

This late 19th century hunter cased pocket compass has an English cross bar needle which pivots on a red gemstone bearing for reduced friction, above a traditional dial with 16 cardinal & inter cardinal points.
Protected by a slightly bevelled domed glass crystal, the clean card dial is stamped 'ENGLAND' and separated into 90 degree quadrants, surrounding a black and white starburst design with 16 cardinal and inter cardinal points.
In full working order including the lid activated transit lock, it measures just 37mm in diameter not including the bow.
This diminutive pocket compass finds North easily and is in good cosmetic condition with no dents on the nickel case.

A rare example of a WW1 British Army Officers MK VI pocket compass, engraved 'MNF BY L. KAMM WAR SOUVENIR 1914-1919 LONDON' made as a commemorative piece.
On the underside is the name of the owner 'W.F. Lensh' who I believe was William F Lensh MBE, a Major in the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, whose battlefield successes played a prominent role in the defeat of the Ottoman Empire during WW1.
Housed in a Dennison nickel case which is in excellent condition, the beveled glass crystal covers an attractive jeweled bearing floating dial that has all its original markings intact.
In full working order, with a strong hinge including the transit lock.

Although Stanley was a well known maker of scientific instruments, not many WW1 British Army Officers pocket compasses were made by him.
This particular compass is signed 'Stanley, London, V, 113796, 1917' with the military arrow engraved on the lid, it's in good working order and a very collectable compass.
Housed in a Dennison nickel case, the attractive Singers patent style black & white dial with all of its original markings complete, pivots on a gemstone bearing and sits under a glass crystal.
Measuring approx 45mm diameter, this is a nice example of the charismatic WW1 compasses, and with so many reproduction instruments bearing the name Stanley London on the internet, it's a treat to find one of the few genuine items with the MK V design.

An impressive Georgian mahogany cased pocket compass measuring 53mm square with an attractive paper dial, it dates to the early part of the 19th century circa 1830.
Complimented by the small hand made triangular hinges, fastened with an elegant 7 shaped brass clasp, the paper compass rose is divided into four 90 degree quadrants showing all 32 cardinal and intercardinal points of the compass with a fleur de lys for North and is in surprisingly clean condition for a compass which is close to 200 years old.
Though a little worn, the shapely blued steel needle is impressed with 'N' & 'S' gold lettering for clarity, and sits under the original glass crystal which is free of any damage.
A genuine antique compass with a traditional design, it's in full working order including a transit lock activated by lid closure.

This is a very elegant mid 19th century pocket compass circa 1865, set in a hinged mahogany block.
It has a shapely blued steel needle engraved N & S in gold lettering, with a paper dial divided into four quadrants of 90 degrees, and also showing all the points of the compass.
Although impressed 'Lennie 46 Princes St Edinburgh' inside the lid, the concealed hinges were a feature almost exclusively used by Francis Barker, and its very likely this was made by Barker for rebranding by Eliza Lennie who traded from the 46 Princes St address from 1857.
Fastened with an attractive 7 shaped brass clasp, this is a nice compass in good condition, albeit with some light age staining on the dial.
Measuring 45mm square, this is a classic Victorian compass, in full working order including the transit lock.

Signed 'STANLEY LONDON' this is a stylish example of a late Victorian hunter cased pocket compass with a floating aluminium dial on a gemstone pivot.
It's in very good clean condition with a clear undamaged crystal, on which the main cardinal points are painted in red on the underside.
The brass body measures 55mm in diameter not including the bow, and is also in good condition with no dents.
This is a sturdy compass in full working order, and there is also a transit lock activated by lid closure to secure the dial when not in use.
A genuine Stanley antique compass not to be confused with the many repros sadly carrying that name!

This trough compass is signed 'TROUGHTON & SIMMS LONDON 1915 II' plus a military crowsfoot and serial no. 5529. The mahogany case is inscribed '13 RA' on both the sliding lid and the underside, suggesting it was issued to one of the the Royal Artillery brigades.
Not used as a traditional compass and known also as a plane table compass, it was used by surveyors to establish the direction of magnetic North when aligning a plane table map.
In good working order, the needle of the compass consists of a long narrow magnetised bar of steel, pointed at both ends, with a gemstone bearing at its centre for reduced friction, it also has a manual transit lock when the lid is slid in place.
In excellent condition and housed in a mahogany case, it measures 170mm x 40mm x 28mm, and weighs just over 300 grams.

Dating to the early 20th century, this non prismatic compass is very similar in dial design to the early Verners pattern examples and reads 'NIGHT MARCHING COMPASS H.W.W. 1907' and belonged to Australian Surveyor Herbert Wrake Walker.
Herbert Walker was a surveyor in Queensland, Australia in the late 19th and early 20th century and amassed a collection of surveying photographs that are still displayed in the New South Wales Art Gallery today.
After his death in 1956, his widow presented the compass to Lt. Col. Edwin Harold Bowen in 1963 (see photo for paperwork). Bowen had served as a Major and Captain (Deputy Commissaries) in the Corp of Royal Pakistani Army during World War II, he was awarded an OBE in 1954 before retiring with an honorary rank of Lt Colonel in 1955.
In full working order, this relatively rare compass measures 2" in diameter and is in good condition, with its centre paper label intact, under a chip free crystal.
Not only a sought after compass for a collector, but still practical today for hill walking and similar pursuits, it comes in a leather case which is also in good condition with all stitching intact.

Dating to the latter part of the 19th century, this large mahogany cased compass measuring 8.5" square was originally made for educational purposes but today makes an impressive desk ornament.
The only markings are the words Trade Mark London, arranged in a triangle above the North fleur de lis, and within the triangle is a combination of 3 letters and one symbol, F B & S. These are superimposed over each other to form the logo of Francis Barker & Son, and the S is reversed, showing this was made after the death of Francis Barker in 1875.
The attractive paper dial is in exceptional condition with no staining as is often found in other compasses of the period, and is set under a jewelled steel needle measuring 6.5" in length, the glass crystal is also original and in excellent condition.
However please note that over the years the base section of the mahogany case has warped slightly producing a gap between the lid & base, (see photos) which although noticeable doesn't detract too much from what is a quite splendid Victorian compass with rare novelty value.
A substantial instrument it weighs just under 900 grams.

A very elegant mid 19th century Victorian pocket compass set in a mahogany case, with an attractive paper sunburst dial, divided into 90 degree quadrants and displaying 32 cardinal and inter-cardinal points.
Dating to around 1870, it has a glass crystal which is retained by a brass bezel, and a shapely blued steel needle, with ‘N’ & ‘S engraved in gold letters.
As with many wood cased compasses of the period this is unsigned, but the use of concealed hinges attaching the lid to the base, was a feature used predominately by Francis Barker, and it’s very likely this compass was made by Barker.
This is a nice clean compass, with both crystal and dial in good condition and a transit lock activated on lid closure. Fastened with an elegant 7 shaped brass clasp, it measures 50mm x 50mm x 16mm, a real classic piece with a traditional design.

This impressive mid 19th century Mariners gimbal mounted boat compass is signed 'J BEDINGTON & SON, MAKERS, BIRMINGHAM ENG' on a brass plaque. James Bedington, operated out of Birmingham between 1862 - 1875 after the dissolution of Cutts, Chesterman & Bedington in 1859.
The traditional floating dry card dial pivots on a gemstone bearing and has 32 cardinal and inter-cardinal points with a distinctive fleur de lis denoting North.
In excellent condition all round, the dial is clean with a clear glass crystal and a dent free lacquered brass bowl.
The compass is mounted in a dove tail jointed dark oak box with a separate lid, and measures 7" square by 5" deep, with a compass bowl diameter of just over 4½".
In good working order, this is a substantial instrument weighing just over 1.5kgs.

Although unsigned with no markings, this compass design is identical to the Verner's Pattern MK VIII models produced towards the end of WW1.
In good condition all round with a Mother of Pearl dial for low light reading, it has a gemstone bearing for reduced friction and there is a transit lock activated by lid closure.
The brass case is dent free and retains much of its black finish, it also comes in a leather case which is in good condition with all stitching intact.
In good working order, a genuine piece of Britain's WW1 history.

This is a WW2 full hunter cased British Army Officers pocket compass, engraved 'MK VI 1940, F Barker &Son (1932) Ltd, London, B 6438' on the lid and also has the War department military arrow, which shows it was issued into service.
Made by Francis Barker and set in a Dennison hunter case, its in very good condition, with a bevelled glass crystal covering the jewelled floating dial.
Measuring 45mm in diameter and in full working order, with a transit lock activated by lid closure.

Wood cased compasses are for the most part unsigned, but this travellers compass in a mahogany case, has a makers name which although partially obscured, reads ‘Wm SIMMS’ at the very north point of the dial (see photo).
William Simms inherited his fathers jewellery business in the early 1800s which was soon converted to the manufacture of scientific instruments.
In 1826, Simms joined with Edward Troughton to form the famous partnership of Troughton & Simms, dating this compass to the early 19th century.
The decorative paper compass dial has a full 360 degree scale with 32 cardinal and inter-cardinal points and is in particularly clean for a compass of this age.
The lid is attached with two hand made square hinges and is fastened with two brass clasps which also activate the transit lock when closed.
In good working order, the blued steel needle is engraved with 'N' and 'S' lettering and still visible, although somewhat tarnished through age.
Measuring just under 5¼ " (132mm) square, this is a near 200 year old antique compass signed by a renowned maker in his early career.

The WW2 MK IX prismatic marching compass is very similar to the original Verner's style compasses of WW1, with only subtle differences.
This particular example is engraved on the reverse 'J.M. GLAUSER, LONDON, No 5499, MK IX, 1936' and also marked with the War office military arrow.
Founded in 1929 by Jean Maurice Glauser a naturalised British subject of Swiss origin, the company J.M. Glauser became a British manufacturer contracted to the War Office, Air Ministry and Government of India, amongst others.
The compass has a mother of pearl dial with a gemstone bearing, and is in very good condition, retaining virtually all its original black finish.
It comes with a leather case embossed 'M. Harvey & Co Ltd, Walsall, 1938' which is also in very good condition, with intact stitching and a functional buckle and strap.
In full working order, including the automatic transit lock activated by lid closure.

This is an impressive antique brass cased pocket compass dating to the first half of the 19th Century.
It has a shapely blued steel needle is impressed with 'N' & 'S' gold lettering and pivots on a brass capped bearing over a paper dial which is divided into quadrants with 8 cardinal and inter-cardinal points.
Although unsigned, it's in good condition with some age staining on the dial, and the brass case is dent free with a polished finish. It also has a separate push fit lid that engages a transit lock when pushed home.
Measuring 60mm in diameter, it is in full working order and comes in a modern velvet drawstring pouch for protection.

This elegant brass cased explorer’s style compass with a separate push fit lid dates to the second half of the 19th century.
It's an unsigned example and has a with an English cross bar needle pivoting on a gemstone bearing over a clean paper dial, denoting 16 cardinal and inter cardinal points under a clean undamaged crystal.
In working order and measuring 44mm in diameter, the brass case is free of any dents as is the matching original lid and comes with a modern velvet drawstring pouch for added protection.

Although this liquid filled prismatic compass is engraved 'Enbeeco' on the reverse, which is a brand name of Newbold & Bulford Co Ltd, it was made to a similar specification of the M73 when the company was part of the same group of companies as Francis Barker & Son during the 1970's and 80's.
It's a substantial compass weighing 234 grams and 60mm in diameter with a degrees version mother of pearl dial.
A serious compass ideal for anyone involved in outdoor pursuits who needs a precision compass, the liquid damping effect gives precise readings very quickly.
Probably made for the civilian market, it comes in a leather case embossed with 'Dept of Forestry 10 George Sq.' indicating it came from the Department of Forestry in Edinburgh, Scotland.
In good working order with no bubbles in the liquid it's in very good condition, although due to its age the tritium lights are no longer active.

A fine WW1 British Army Officers MK VI pocket compass in a nickel full hunter case, engraved Dennison Birmingham VI 19565 1917, and military arrow on the lid.
In very good condition, the beveled glass crystal covers an attractive Jewelled bearing floating dial, which has all its original markings intact.
In full working order, with strong hinge, a really nice example from the most renowned maker of this style of compass.

This Bausch & Lomb WW1 Verner's pattern MK VIII prismatic marching compass was made in Switzerland for the British army during WW1 and is dated 1917.
Engraved on the underside is 'B-L, No 70473, 1917' and stamped with the British Army War department arrow.
In very good condition all round, with minimal paint loss it has a mother of pearl dial which pivots on a gemstone bearing for reduced friction and there is an automatic transit lock activated when the lid is closed.
It still has its anti slip rubber ring on the underside, and the leather case is also in good condition.
In good working order, a genuine piece of Britain's WW1 history.

Although unsigned, the design & style of this pocket compass is identical to one made by a relatively unknown maker W. H Moralee who was working in North Shields during the first half of the 19th century.
A quality piece, it has a distinctive black & white floating card dial of 32 cardinal and intercardinal points with a fleur de lis denoting North.
Housed in dent free brass case with original push fit lid and a clean glass crystal, it's in good working order and measures 45mm diameter by 14mm deep.

Dating to the early part of the 20th century, this Handle compass clinometer was made by J H Steward, and is signed 'J. H. STEWARD Ltd, 406 Strand, London' on the underside.
The black compass needle pivots on a gemstone bearing above a decorative dial with a 360 degree scale, and 16 intercardinal points.
Mainly used by surveyors, it also incorporates a pendulous arm for measuring rise & fall.
Measures 75mm in diameter, it's in full working order including the transit lock which is activated by a brass knob on the side, and comes in a velvet pouch for protection.

Engraved 'PARRY & CO', this is an impressive 19th century hand held floating dial compass and comes with its original push on protective brass lid.
Parry & Co worked from 158 High Holborn but also made instruments for export and this particular compass was made for the French market.
The card dial pivots on a cone shaped brass bearing, and has French compass points with the letter O for West (Ouest), with a black star indicating North.
Housed in a brass drum under a clean crystal it measures 80mm in diameter by 45mm high and although it is in working order it is a little sluggish in finding North.

Dating to the latter part of the 19th Century, this distinctive pocket compass has the classic black & white Singers patent design on a mother of pearl dial. A rare compass made around 1880, the dial is signed 'J. H. Steward. 406. Strand. London.'.
Floating on a gemstone pivot in a nickel case and housed under a bevelled glass crystal, it measures 44mm diameter overall, and 11 mm deep, and has a transit lock activated by a push button on the stem.
In full working order, a traditional antique compass in very good condition, supplied in a modern gift box.

A small Victorian brass cased pocket compass with a separate push fit lid made by Francis Barker & Son around 1880, as evidenced by the small FBS logo within the Trademark London triangle, and printed on the card dial just below the North cardinal point.
The English cross bar directional needle pivots on a brass capped bearing above a traditional dial, denoting 16 cardinal and inter cardinal points under a clean undamaged crystal.
In good working order, the brass case is free of any dents or deformities and includes a lid activated transit lock.
The dimensions are 35mm diameter by 14mm deep and comes with a modern velvet drawstring pouch for added protection.

A nice condition WW1 British Army Officers MK VI pocket compass, engraved Dennison Birmingham VI 84271 1918 and with the military arrow on the lid, showing it was issued in to service.
The full hunter nickel case is in very good condition, although the engraving is slightly faded (see photo). The bevelled glass crystal covers an attractive jewelled bearing floating dial, which has all its original markings intact.
In full working order, it measures 45mm in diameter not including the stem, a nice example from the most prolific maker of this style of compass.

A small but impressive Georgian mahogany cased pocket compass measuring 53mm square with an attractive paper dial, it dates to the early 1800's.
The lid has small hand made triangular hinges, and is fastened with an elegant 7 shaped brass clasp.
With a shapely blued steel needle impressed with 'N' & 'S' lettering for clarity, it pivots over a clean paper compass rose, showing all the points of the compass and a fleur de lys for North.
A genuine antique compass, it's in full working order including a transit lock activated by lid closure.

A nice condition WW1 British Army Officers MK V pocket compass, engraved Dennison Birmingham V 101286 1916 and with the military arrow on the lid, showing it was issued in to service.

The full hunter nickel case is in very good condition, the domed glass crystal covers a Singers Patent style black & white floating dial, which has all its original markings intact.
In  working order, it measures 45mm in diameter not including the stem.

This is a WW2 Artillery compass made by Francis Barker during the 1930's and is engraved 'F.B. & Son. (1932) Ltd, B 1461' on the lid, it also has the military arrow which indicates it was issued into service.
A precision instrument measuring 100mm in diameter, it's in very good condition with the body & lid retaining most of its original oxidised black finish
In full working order, this is a prismatic compass with a 360 degrees silvered dial which finds North consistently, and is protected by a separate push fit lid.
It comes with its own fitted leather case which is also in good condition.
Weighing just over 700 grams with its leather case, the base also has a threaded boss for attaching to a tripod.

Originally designed by a Canadian geologist named D W Brunton in the late 19th century, the Brunton compass is still very much the first choice of many geologists for field mapping of geological objects.
This is a 1942 M2 model made by William Ainsworth & Sons, Denver Colorado, who were the sole manufacturers of Bruntons Patent when it was granted in 1894.
Brunton compasses are still made today, but this is a relatively rare example by the most renowned maker of this type.
Given it's age it does have paint loss on the outside case, but internally in very good condition and fully working.
Measuring between 70mm -75mm in width and 28mm in height it weighs just under 250 grams without it's case.
It comes in a light tan leather case which is in very good condition with all stitching intact.

This is a fine example of a Georgian pocket compass circa 1820, set in a hinged mahogany block measuring 88mm square by 22mm thick.
Complimented by two small hand made hinges, it has a shapely blued steel needle engraved N & S for clarity, with an attractive paper compass rose divided into four 90 degree quadrants, showing all the points of the compass and a fleur de lys for North.
The needle is locked in position for transit by a brass pin which comes into play when the lid is closed and fastened by two 7 shaped brass clasps.
In very good cosmetic condition, this is a genuine antique compass in good working order.
It also retains the original hand cut glass, and the paper dial is in surprisingly clean condition for a 200 year old compass.

A nice example of one of the rarer British Army Officers MK V pocket compasses made by the Swiss watchmaker Ed Koehn, better known for producing high quality clocks and watches retailed by Tiffany & Co.
Engraved 'Ed KOEHN, GENEVA, SWITZERLAND, V, 40220, 1915' it also has the military arrow on the lid, showing it was issued into service.
The full hunter case is in very good condition, retaining all of its nickel plating and comes with the distinctive Singers patent style black & white dial card, which pivots on a gemstone bearing for reduced friction.
Housed under a clean bevelled glass crystal, it's in full working order and measures 45mm in diameter, not including the stem.

This 19th century mahogany cased pocket compass measures 75mm square and has an attractive paper dial of a particularly early design, dating to the first quarter of the 19th century.
Complimented by the small hand made square hinges and fastened with an elegant 7 shaped brass clasp, the paper compass rose is divided into four 90 degree quadrants showing all the points of the compass with a fleur de lis for North, and is in quite clean condition for a compass of this age.
The shapely blued steel needle is engraved N & S and pivots on a brass capped bearing under a glass crystal.
A genuine antique compass, the mahogany is free of any splits or cracks, and is in full working order including a transit lock activated by lid closure.

This is a rare example of a WW1 era Verner's Pattern MK VI prismatic marching compass which was superceded by the more common MK VII shortly after the start of WW1.
It's dated 1913 and signed 'E.R. WATTS & SON, LONDON. 1913, No 5549' on the underside & 'VERNER'S PATTERN VI' on the lid.
The MK VI is much less common and unusual to find in such good condition, particularly with its centre paper label completely intact, the only blemish being a minor edge chip on the lid glass which can just be seen in the last photo.
An exceptional compass in full working order, it has the mother of pearl dial for low light readings, and comes with its leather case which is also in good condition.
Not only a sought after compass for a collector, but still practical today for hill walking and similar pursuits.

Signed 'J H Steward London', this is an unusually small example of a late 19th century mariners compass mounted on gimbals in a mahogany case all in very good condition with a pleasing patination.
Usually these types of compass are quite large, but this particular example, is only 3.25" (85mm) square and 1.8" (48mm) in height, with the compass bowl being just 55mm in diameter, making it a very compact and consequently much rarer instrument.
The compass floating card dial is in very good condition and pivots on a gemstone bearing within a lacquered brass bowl, which is free of any knocks or dents, retaining much of its original finish.
Dating to the second half of the 19th century and in good working order, this robust little compass weighs only 240 grams, has a clean dial and its original glass crystal with the only blemish being a barely noticeable small edge chip.

This Francis Barker liquid damped M-88 prismatic compass has a degrees calibrated dial pivoting on a sapphire bearing, with a click step rotating bezel.
A military standard compass, it's made from a lightweight yet robust aluminium alloy and has 5 active self luminous tritium lights, enabling full night and daylight operation.
Although used the overall condition is very good with no loss of the olive green paint finish on the body, and it comes with a velcro pouch for protection in the field.
Measuring 60mm in diameter, it's in full working order with no bubbles in the fluid and has the serial no 03484.

The majority of MK V pocket compasses were made during the WW1 period up to 1917 when they were superceded by the MK VI version.
This 1916 example by Short & Mason is engraved on the lid 'Short & Mason Ltd, London, 1916, V, 85206', it also has the military arrow, showing that it was issued into service.
The nickel hunter case was made by Dennison for Short & Mason, and is in very good condition.
It has a bevelled glass crystal covering the distinctive Singers patent black & white floating dial, which is mounted on a jewelled brass bearing for reduced friction on the pivot point.
In full working order, with a strong hinge, it measures 45mm in diameter, not including the stem.

Founded in the late 18th century by their father John Jones and later taken over by brothers William and Samuel, W & S Jones was a prolific optical, mathmatical and navigational instrument manufacturer between 1791-1860 and operated out of 30 Holborn London until Samuels death in 1859.
This brass bodied surveyors compass has a silvered dial with an outer ring scale divided into four quadrants and a steel needle pivoting on a gemstone bearing under a clean glass crystal.
On the outside of the frame is a manual transit lock to hold the needle in place when not in use and two plates in the North and South positions which would have been used to attach a pair of sight vanes for surveying purposes.
Although one of the small screws on the underside that retains the dial to the case is missing, it is still held securely by the remaining three and does not affect the compass function.
In good working order it measures 80mm in diameter and just under 300 grams in weight.

This fine example of a MK IX prismatic marching compass is engraved on the reverse: F.BARKER & SON. (1932) Ltd, LONDON'.
Dating to the WW2 period, this compass was not only manufactured by Francis Barker & Son but actually carries their own branding. (As Barker had the patent rights for most of the military compasses, the bulk of their production was made for supply to many other instrument makers on a wholesale basis)
In full working order, it also has the traditional Mother of Pearl dial for low light reading, and is in very good condition, retaining virtually all of its original black finish.
A dry dial compass with a gemstone pivot bearing, it has an automatic transit lock activated by lid closure, and protected by its leather case which is also in very good condition.

A late 19th century full hunter cased pocket compass with a traditional English cross bar needle that pivots on a gemstone bearing above an etched aluminium dial under a clean domed glass crystal.
The brass case has a gunmetal finish which although rubbed on the outside, has virtually no paint loss on the interior, and is dent free.
It comes with a T bar leather strap for attaching to a waistcoat button hole, and given the non reflective finish, indicates it may have belonged to a military officer.
Measuring 50mm diameter and 15mm thick, this is a sturdy yet attractive compass in full working order, with a strong hinge.

This brass trough compass dated 1916 was made by J H Steward for use by the British Military during WW1, and is engraved 'J.H. Steward Ltd, II, 10022, 1916' with a military crowfoot arrow on the side.
Not used as a traditional compass and known also as a plane table compass, it was used by surveyors to establish the direction of magnetic North when aligning a plane table or theodolite.
The needle of the compass consists of a long narrow magnetised bar of steel, pointed at both ends, with the usual gemstone bearing at its centre for reduced friction.
In excellent condition and housed in a mahogany case with a sliding lid that activates a transit lock for when the instrument is not in use.
Measuring 165mm x 39mm x 28mm, it weighs 334 grams and is in good working order.

An impressive Georgian mahogany cased pocket compass measuring 67mm square with an attractive paper dial, it dates to the early part of the 19th century circa 1820.
The lid is fixed with small hand made triangular hinges and fastened with an elegant 7 shaped brass clasp.
Divided into four 90 degree quadrants showing all the points of the compass with a fleur de lys for North the paper compass rose is in surprisingly clean condition for a compass which is close to 200 years old.
The shapely blued steel needle is impressed with 'N' & 'S' lettering for clarity, and sits under the original glass crystal which is free of any damage.
A genuine antique compass with a traditional design, it's in full working order including a transit lock activated by lid closure.

A fine example of a WW1 British Army Officers MK V pocket watch compass, engraved on the lid 'L. Kamm & Co, London, V,  49880, 1915, and military arrow.
It has a bevelled glass crystal covering the distinctive Singers patent style black and white floating dial, which is mounted on a jewelled brass bearing for reduced friction on the pivot point.
In very good condition and made by one of the rarer makers who did not use the more common Dennison case.
In good working order it measures 45mm in diameter.

A nice example of a pre WW2 leather cased MK IX prismatic marching compass, engraved on the reverse: 'E.R.WATTS & SON Ltd, LONDON'.
E R Watts became Hilger & Watts in 1948, and the absence of any military markings suggests this compass was probably army surplus released to the civilian market sometime before 1948.
In good working order, it's in very good condition all round, with virtually no paint loss to the body and still has the rubber anti slip ring on the underside.
A precision compass, it has a floating dial which pivots on a gemstone bearing, and a clean undamaged crystal.

Whilst there are no real shortages of the WW1 Verner’s Pattern prismatic compasses, this particular example is a rare version of a MK VII model, but with a black embossed dial.
Manufactured between 1915 -1930 by Francis Barker & Son for the Indian Army which was still under British rule, it is inscribed 'Mk VII' on the lid and 'M.I.O 1917' on the base, along with a military crowfoot above an 'I', indicating it was part of the Indian Army.
The leather case is embossed with a military arrow on both sides above a 'T'.
The specification is similar to the Verner's pattern MKVII model produced for the British Army with the floating jewelled pivot dial, and as can be seen from the photos is in excellent condition, retaining all of its original black finish on the lid.
In good working order, it still has the rubber anti slip ring on the base underside.
A rare compass from the WW1 era dated 1917, it comes in it's original leather carrying case which is in very good condition with all its stitching intact.

This attractive early Victorian brass cased pocket compass dates to the first half of the 19th century.
Although unsigned this compass is clearly a quality piece with an unusual and distinctive black on white dial which has 8 cardinal and inter cardinal points with a fluer de lis indicating north and pivots on a brass capped bearing.
Housed in a polished dent free brass case with original domed lid, it's in full working order and measures 50mm diameter by 16mm deep.
It comes in a modern velvet drawstring pouch for added protection.

This is an impressive 19th century brass cased pocket compass circa 1830, with a separate push on lid.
It has a shapely steel needle with light tarnishing, pivoting on a brass capped bearing over a paper dial divided into degrees, and also showing 32 cardinal & inter-cardinal points of the compass.
An unsigned antique compass, with both crystal and dial in good condition, it has a dent free brass case with lightly hand scribed directional arrows on the lid and base.
Measuring 60mm in diameter, it is in full working order, a classic Georgian compass with a traditional dial design.
Comes in modern velvet drawstring pouch for protection.

This impressive English surveyors compass was made sometime at the beginning of the 19th century and is signed 'Dollond London' on the dial, which has a stepped outer scale engraved 0-360 degrees in one degree increments.
The cross bar needle pivots on a gemstone bearing above the silvered dial under a clean, chip free glass crystal, and also has a lid activated transit lock.
A substantial quality compass example it measures 150mm x 150mm x 29mm, with a dial diameter of 125mm, and weighs just under 700 grams.
The cosmetic condition of the dial is excellent and although the mahogany case lid has had some restoration with a narrow piece replaced around one part of the hinge area (see photos), the overall appearance is still very good as can be seen from the photos.
A near 200 year old antique compass in good working order.

The Francis Barker range of liquid filled prismatic compasses are among the finest professional compasses ever made, and are currently in use by many military forces around the world including NATO.
This particular model is the M88 which is made from a lightweight yet robust aluminium alloy, and has 5 active self luminous tritium lights enabling full night and day operation.
The M88 is a dual use model, calibrated in both mils and degrees, and the padded pouch has a clip for belt attachment.
It carries the Nato stock no 6605-99-225-8550 on the reverse along with its serial no 12687.
Although used, the overall condition is still very good with virtually no loss of the olive green paint finish on the body, and it comes with a used Pattern 58 canvas pouch for protection in the field.
A precision compass measuring 60mm in diameter and 30mm in depth, it's in working order with no bubbles in the liquid.

A Dollond Victorian pocket compass in a nickel plated full hunter case, it measures 45mm in diameter not including the bow.
Dating to the latter part of the 19th century, it's signed on the dial 'DOLLOND LONDON' around the pivot and is in good working order including the lid activated transit lock.
The cross bar needle pivots on a red gemstone bearing for reduced friction, above a traditional dial with 16 cardinal & inter cardinal points, protected by a slightly bevelled domed glass crystal.
Although the nickel plating is quite worn in places, the case is free of any dents and has a strong hinge.

A late Victorian pocket compass set in a mahogany case, with a clean paper dial signed 'ENGLAND' displaying 8 cardinal and inter-cardinal points.
Dating to the late 19th Century, it has its original glass crystal over a brass capped steel needle.
This is a nice clean compass, with both crystal and dial in good condition and a transit lock activated on lid closure.
Fastened with two elegant 7 shaped brass clasps, it measures 64mm square & 22mm thick and is in good working order.

A Stanley G150 mils version liquid filled prismatic compass, first used by the British Army in the Falklands conflict, and again in the first Gulf war.
This particular compass is in good condition with some paint loss on the brass body, and also has the Nato stock number 6605-99-537-9034 on the underside with the serial number of 36072.
This is a serious compass designed in the 1970's which ceased production under the Stanley name in the late 1990's, and is fast becoming a much sought after collectable.
In good working order it comes in a green pattern 58 canvas carry pouch and although the tritium lights are no longer active, it's still a robust precision compass with no air bubbles in the fluid.

This is an impressive 19th century Georgian mahogany cased pocket compass measuring 67mm square.
The attractive paper compass dial is graduated in 90 degree quadrants and dates to circa 1830.
Complimented by the small triangular hand made hinges and an elegant blued steel needle, this is a stylish antique compass which is approaching 200 years old.
Aside from some fading of the letters N & S on the needle, it is uncommon to find compasses of this age in such good condition, and it is in full working order including the original transit lock activated by lid closure.

A small 19th century brass cased compass with a separate push fit lid signed 'F.Barker & Son. Makers. London', around the sunburst design card dial just below the fleur de lis.
The cross bar needle pivots on a gemstone bearing above a traditional dial, denoting 16 cardinal and inter cardinal points under a clean undamaged crystal.
In good working order, the brass case is free of any dents or deformities and includes a lid activated transit lock.
The dimensions are 38mm diameter by 10mm deep and comes with a modern velvet drawstring pouch for added protection.

A rare floating dial design mahogany cased Mariners pocket compass measuring just over 76mm square by 28mm deep.
The attractive paper compass dial card is of an earlier Regency design and in surprisingly clean condition.
Dating to circa1840 with cleverly concealed hinges, this is a clean compass which is well over 170 years old.
In good condition and in full working order, including the original transit lock, a nice example of an early antique compass.

A fine WW1 British Army Officers MK VI pocket compass in a nickel full hunter case, engraved Dennison Birmingham VI 48698 1917, and military arrow on the lid.
In very good condition, the beveled glass crystal covers an attractive Jewelled bearing floating dial, which has all its original markings intact.
In full working order, with a strong hinge, a really nice example from the most renowned maker of this style of compass.

A Georgian pocket compass set in a mahogany block measuring 53mm square, with an elegant blued steel needle over a traditional paper dial.
The lid is attached to the body with two small hand made triangular hinges & fastened with a 7 shaped brass clasp.
Dating to the first quarter of the 19th century, the paper compass rose is divided into four 90 degree quadrants with 16 cardinal and intercardinal points.
The steel needle is also engraved with 'N' & 'S' gilt letters for clarity, and sits under the original glass crystal which is free of any damage.
In good working order including a transit lock activated by lid closure.

Dating to the first half of the 19th century (circa 1840), this is a very rare brass gimballed pocket compass.
Housed in a brass case with a separate brass lid, it measures 90mm in overall diameter, and stands 52mm high.
In good original condition, the distinctive compass card pivots on a a gemstone pivot bearing, and sits in a 65mm diameter brass bowl which remarkably still has most of its original lacquer coat.
Although unsigned, this is clearly a quality instrument weighing just under 600 grams and probably made by one of the more prominent makers of the day.
In full working order including the gimbal mechanism, this is a quite unique antique compass.

Dating to the end of the 19th century, this Dollond compass is very similar to the Verners MK III patterns.
It's a non prismatic model, and the white compass card is surrounded by a silvered bearing ring with a brass manual stop & finger brake on one side. 
In full working order, it measures 2" in diameter and is in good cosmetic condition, with a chip free crystal.
Signed 'DOLLOND LONDON' on the lid.

The Francis Barker range of liquid filled prismatic compasses are among the finest professional compasses ever made, and are currently in use by many military forces around the world including NATO.
This particular model is the M88 which is made from a lightweight yet robust aluminium alloy, and has 5 active self luminous tritium lights enabling full night and day operation.
This M88 is a dual use model, calibrated in both mils & degrees, and the padded pouch has a clip for belt attachment.
It carries the Nato stock no 6605-99-225-8550 on the reverse along with its serial no 19078.
Although used, the overall condition is still very good with no loss of the olive green paint finish on the body, and it comes with a used Pattern 58 canvas pouch for protection in the field. It measures 60mm in diameter and 30mm in depth, in working order with no bubbles in the liquid.
You really can't get a more accurate compass, and this is perfect for anyone involved in outdoor pursuits who needs a precision compass.

A nice example of a late Victorian mahogany cased pocket compass measuring 75mm square with a decorative paper dial, it dates to the last quarter of the 19th century.
Fastened with a 7 shaped brass clasp, the paper compass rose has 32 cardinal & intercardinal points with a fleur de lys for North, and is in clean condition.
The slim but elegant steel needle is impressed with 'N' for clarity, and pivots on a brass capped bearing under the original glass crystal.
A genuine antique compass in good cosmetic condition, it's in working order including a transit lock activated by lid closure.

A nice example of a Hunter cased pocket compass signed NEGRETTI & ZAMBRA LONDON, inside the lid, which dates to the early part of the 20th century, and is contained inside a Dennsion nickel case that has matching serial numbers on lid and base.
Fitted with an English cross bar needle that pivots on an agate gemstone, above an attractive frosted aluminium dial on which is printed 'ENGLAND'.
A super compass measuring 45mm in case diameter, it's in good working order including the lid activated transit lock, and the clean bevelled glass crystal is chip free.
In excellent condition all round with no dents on the case, a very collectable compass.

This unusual compass with foldable sight vanes is set in a very attractive mahogany case, and fastened by twin brass clasps.
The English cross bar needle pivots over a traditional paper dial which has 32 cardinal & inter cardinal points, along with four 90 degree quadrants as an outer scale.
Like many wood cased compasses of the period it is unsigned, but the use of concealed hinges attaching the lid to the base was a feature used predominately by Francis Barker, and it’s very likely this compass was made by Barker and dates to the mid 19th century.
In working order with a lid activated transit lock, this compass is in very good condition as can be seen by the photos, and measures 80mm square & 25mm deep, a rare design for a wood cased pocket compass.

A very distinctive brass cased Victorian brass pocket compass dating to around 1860.
Although unsigned this compass is clearly a quality piece with a shapely blued steel needle engraved 'N' & 'S' in gold letters for clarity. The paper dial is in excellent condition with no tears or lifting, and is protected by a clean crystal.
The brass case is free from any dents and has its original push on lid.
In full working order, an elegant antique compass in good original condition.
Dimensions are 36mm diameter and 10mm deep.

This is a relatively rare prismatic marching compass engraved 'OFF.CHINAGLIA BELLUNO' on the underside of the lid which indicates it was made in Italy, possibly from parts originally made in Britain as the design is very much based on the Verners Pattern MK VIII models produced towards the end of WW1.
Unlike the British examples which had a degrees dial, this has a mils dial which is rarely found in Verners pattern compasses and a tinted sight window in the lid.
The clean central dial is aluminium and as can be seen from the photos the compass body is in good condition with minimal loss of its black finish on the lid, and a clean undamaged glass crystal.
In good working order, it still has the rubber anti slip ring on the base underside.
A rare compass from the post WW1 era, it comes with it's orginal Italian leather carrying case which is very good condition with all its stitching intact.

Formed from the incorporation of Adam Hilger Ltd with E.R. Watts Ltd in 1948, this is a marked Hilger & Watts Ltd black lacquered brass trough compass likely made in the 1950s.
Not used as a traditional compass and also known as a plane table compass, it was used to establish the direction of magnetic North when aligning a plane table or theodolite.
The compass needle consists of a long narrow magnetised bar of steel, pointed at both ends, with the usual agate bearing at its centre.
It also has a manual transit lock when the lid is slid in place, and is housed in a light mahogany case.
Measuring 167 mm x 40 mm x 30 mm, and weighing just over 300 grams, it's in good working order as well as excellent cosmetic condition.

This is a late 19th century nickel full hunter cased pocket compass signed 'CHADBURNS, LIVERPOOL'.
Formed in 1818 by William Chadburn and David Wright, the business was taken over by Williams' three sons by the 1840s. The firm also exhibited at The Great Exhibition in 1851 and gained provenance by specialising in ships telegraphs at the end of the century.
The cross bar needle pivots on a gemstone bearing for reduced friction, above a clean white enamelled dial with 8 cardinal and inter cardinal points split into four 90 degree quadrants, set under a clean domed bevelled edge crystal.
A clean compass in working order it finds North easily and is in good cosmetic condition with no dents on the case.
Dating to circa 1880, it measures 45mm in diameter not including the bow.

The Francis Barker range of liquid filled prismatic compasses are among the finest professional compasses ever made, and are currently in use by many military forces around the world including NATO.
This particular model is the M88 which is made from a lightweight yet robust aluminium alloy, and has 4 active self luminous tritium lights in the dial & capsule, but is missing the one that should be in the tip of the lid.
Although used, the overall condition is still good retaining most of the olive green paint finish on the body, and it comes with a stitched leather case for protection in the field, also in very good condition.
This M88 is a dual use model, with the dial calibrated in both mils & degrees, pivoting on a sapphire bearing, and has the serial no 060183 on the reverse.
It measures 60mm in diameter and 30mm in depth, finds North easily and settles quickly, with no bubbles in the clear fluid.

A late Victorian English made pocket compass in a nickel plated full hunter case, it measures 45mm in diameter not including the bow.
The cross bar needle pivots on a red gemstone bearing for reduced friction, above a traditional dial with 16 cardinal & inter cardinal points, protected by a slightly bevelled glass crystal.
Dating to the latter part of the 19th century, it doesn't have a makers name but has 'Made in England' on the dial.
A very clean compass in working order it finds North easily, and in good cosmetic condition with no dents on the case.

A rare Regency period mahogany cased Mariners compass measuring just over 52mm square.
The attractive paper compass dial card is of a very early design and in surprisingly clean condition. Dating to between 1800 - 1820 and complimented by the small triangular hand made hinges, a clean compass which is probably approaching 200 years old.
In good condition and in full working order, including the original transit lock, a nice example of a very early antique compass.

The Union of South Africa was created in May 1910 as a new dominion of the British Empire, and this particular Dennison compass was issued to the South African military in 1917.
It carries the Union of South Africa military mark which is denoted by the War Department arrow within the letter 'U' for Union and is engraved on the compass lid.
It's also engraved Dennison Birmingham VI, 56278, 1917, and with the military arrow on the lid showing it was issued in to service.
The full hunter nickel case is in very good condition, and the clean undamaged bevelled glass crystal covers an attractive jewelled bearing floating dial.
In full working order it measures 45mm in diameter, not including the stem.
An iconic WW1 compass with a rare South African provenance, it comes with a braided leather strap and T bar.

This is a rare MK V British Army Officers pocket compass engraved 'F. Darton & Co. London,V, 9791, 1915.'
Housed in a dent free nickel plated full hunter case with its distinctive black & white Singers Patent style dial, it’s in good working order and the crystal is free from any chips.
It measures 45mm diameter not including crown and ring, the floating card dial finds North each time, and pivots on a jewel for reduced friction.
Unlike the majority of MK V compasses, the inner compass body is fixed to the nickel case by means of two small screws on the underside, which is a further design refinement, unique to only a very few makers including F Darton.
The MK V was discontinued during 1917, so this is likely to be one of the last models made by one of the rarer makers of this style of compass.

This is a late 19th century surveying compass signed 'T. COOKE & SONS LTD. LONDON, YORK & CAPETOWN'
Founded by Thomas Cooke in 1837, the business was continued by his sons Thomas and Frederick under 'T. Cooke & Sons' following his death in 1868 and became a limited company in 1897. The business manufactured many scientific instruments for prestigious clients including the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, and set up offices in Capetown to cater to the demand for surveying instruments in response to the Witwatersrand Gold Rush of 1886.
Made from bronzed brass, measuring just over 5 inches (130mm) in diameter and weighing just under 900 grams, this is an impressive surveying compass.
In full working order, the needle pivots on a gemstone bearing above the silvered aluminium dial under a clean, chip free glass crystal. The two sight vanes at either side also activate a transit lock when folded and the face remains protected under a matching press fit lid when not in use.

This 1930's gimbal mounted ships compass carries the famous Husun logo, the trademark of Henry Hughes and Son, the important & highly respected maker of quality nautical instruments.
The liquid damped dial is signed 'HENRY HUGHES & SON Ltd, LONDON' with the serial number 8778, and the fleur de lis is embedded with the small HUSUN logo.
In excellent condition all round, the damping fluid is clean with no air bubbles, and the glass cover is free from any chips, contained in a compass bowl retaining all of its black painted finish.
Housed in a finger jointed mahogany case measuring 7½"(190mm) square and 5½"(140mm) in height, the dial diameter is 105mm.
Weighing just under 3kg this is a serious ships compass that can still be used today.

Marked 'ROYAL IRISH RIFLES. MAJOR JDM MCCALLUM D.S.O.' on the lid, this WW1 Verner's Pattern MK VIII compass belonged to Major John Dunwoodie Martin McCallum.
McCallum was a recipient of the Distinguished Service Order during the battle of the Somme in 1916, along with the Croix de Guerre in 1918 and also received a CBE in 1921.
Military career aside, McCallum was a versatile sportsman representing Ireland in both cricket and rugby, although badminton was his premier sport where he not only played for Ireland, but also served as president of the IBF in later years.
In excellent cosmetic condition, it's engraved 'F-L No 92697, 1917' on the base and also has the War department military arrow.
Still retaining virtually all of its black finish on the lid, the Mother of Pearl dial and glass covers are also in very good condition as is the original leather case.
A genuine piece of Britain's WW1 history with some interesting provenance.

This unusual combined compass/clinometer is set in a very attractive mahogany case, with twin brass side fasteners.
The elegant blue needle pivots over a paper dial which has 32 cardinal & inter cardinal points with an inches per yard outer scale.
Like many wood cased compasses of the period it is unsigned, but the use of concealed hinges attaching the lid to the base was a feature used predominately by Francis Barker, and it’s very likely this compass was made by Barker.
This compass is in superb condition as can be seen by the photos, and measures 73mm square & 19mm deep, a rare design for a wood cased pocket compass.

This is a Handle compass clinometer, dating to the latter part of the 19th century.
The English cross bar needle pivots on a gemstone bearing above an unsigned silvered dial with a 360 degree scale, and an inner four 90 degree quadrant scale for the clinometer function, which has a pendulous arm for measuring rise & fall.
Readings of inclination are viewed through the handle sight which has a built in cross hair for accurate sighting of objects.
In good condition with no dents on the brass casing and a chip free crystal, it measures 60mm in diameter not including the handle and is in full working order including the transit lock which is activated when the push fit lid is replaced.

This brass marching compass dates to the end of the 19th century and is signed 'NEGRETTI & ZAMBRA, LONDON' on the lid.
Very similar to the later Verners MK III patterns, it's a non prismatic model and the white compass card is surrounded by a silvered bearing ring, with a brass manual transit lock and finger brake on one side.
In good working order, it measures 50mm in diameter and is in good used condition, with a heavy bevelled crystal that emphasises the quality of this piece and comes in a leather case.

This is a particularly rare pocket compass made by Short & Mason in the late 19th century, housed in a leather covered wooden case and intended for use at sea, probably as a personal instrument.
The compass bowl is gimbal mounted in the nickel plated body which can be removed from its wooden case, and activated by pulling out the inner bezel to release the transit lock. Pushing the compass bowl back relocks the dial to avoid wear in transit.
It has a Singers Patent style mother of pearl dial which pivots on a gemstone bearing for reduced friction and as can be seen from the photos is in very good clean condition.
The compass measures 55mm in diameter and 17mm deep which extends to 25mm when the bowl is raised.
In good working order the only minor blemish is that the outer wooden case is a little warped on the lid so does not quite meet flush when closed.
A rare design of compass by a well respected maker, its' signed Short & Mason Ltd, London on the underside.

Dated 1940, this is a fine example of a WW2 MK III prismatic compass, made by Francis Barker on a wholesale basis, and rebranded by T. G. Co Ltd.
It has a liquid damped bowl (no bubbles) with a mother of pearl dial calibrated in 360 degrees, and is in fine working order, finding North easily and settling very quickly.
The compass body is of blackened brass, with only some very minor paint loss here and there, and the original rubber anti slip ring on the base is still intact.
Engraved on the base is 'T.G. Co. Ltd. London, No.B 56440, 1940, MK III', it also has the War department broad arrow.
It comes with a sturdy leather carry case which is in good original condition.
A classic WW2 instrument that is not only a collectors piece but is still very much a functional compass, which compares well to the modern equivalents.

This is a WW1 era Short & Mason MK VII prismatic marching compass with leather case dated 1917.
Engraved on the underside is 'SHORT & MASON, LONDON, Ltd' and stamped MK VII on the lid. In very good condition all round, with a Mother of Pearl dial for low light reading, it has a gemstone bearing for reduced friction and there is a transit lock activated by lid closure.
The brass case is dent free and still has its anti slip rubber ring on the underside, and the leather case is also in good condition.
In good working order, a genuine piece of Britain's WW1 history.

This hunter cased pocket compass has the classic black & white Singers patent design but unusually on a mother of pearl dial,
Dating to circa 1880, this is a quality item made by Dollond, and is signed 'DOLLOND, LONDON' on the dial.
The clean dial pivots on a gemstone bearing and is set under a damage free crystal, encased within its nickel plated case which is in dent free condition, and retains its nickel plating.
In good working order with a strong hinge, this is quite a rare compass from one of the most renowned instrument makers of the 19th century, and measures 45mm diameter not including the bow.

This is a fine example of a mid 19th century mariners compass mounted on gimbals in a mahogany case with a sliding bevelled lid having the words 'Mariners Compass' written in ink.
The mahogany case has early dovetail joints and is in sound condition, measuring 4.5" (115mm) square and just under 3" (72mm) in height.
The compass floating card dial has 32 cardinal and inter cardinal points with a distinctive Fleur de lis crest denoting North and pivots on a gemstone bearing set within a lacquered brass compass bowl of just 67mm, making this a smaller example than usual and therfore not so common.
Dating to circa 1850, this is a robust little compass weighing just over 400 grams and is in good working order with a clean dial and glass crystal.

A stylish example of an Edwardian hunter cased pocket compass with an English cross bar needle on a jewelled pivot, over a decorative frosted aluminium dial.
Dating to around 1910, its in very good clean condition with a clear undamaged crystal on which the main cardinal points are painted in red on the underside.
The brass case is also in good condition with a warm patination, and is dent free.
Measuring 38mm in diameter not including the bow, this is a sturdy little compass in full working order including the transit lock which is activated by lid closure.

This brass cased pocket compass is signed 'ELLIOTT & SONS, 56 STRAND' on the dial around the pivot.
The founder William Elliott formed a partnership with his sons Frederick & Charles in 1850, and the firm became known as Elliott & Sons. However, the name was changed to Elliott Bros from 1854 after William retired in 1853, so we can date this compass quite accurately to between 1850 and 1854.
The stylish blued steel directional needle is engraved N & S in gold lettering & pivots on a brass capped bearing above a traditional dial, denoting 32 cardinal and inter cardinal points under a clean undamaged crystal.
In working order and measuring 60mm in diameter, the brass case is free of any dents or deformities as is the matching original lid and comes with a modern velvet drawstring pouch for added protection.

A superb WW1 military pocket compass, engraved F Darton & Co London, VI, No 1793, 1917.
Unusually, the engraving is on the base of the compass, and also has the military arrow denoting it was War department issue. The inside of the lid is also stamped 179827 M.
The fully nickel plated case is in very good condition with no dents, and the bevelled glass crystal covers a clean aluminium dial pivoting on a gemstone bearing.
In full working order with a strong hinge, a fine compass from one of the rarer makers, it comes in a pigskin leather pouch which may be a later addition.

The Francis Barker range of fluid damped prismatic compasses are among the finest professional compasses ever made, and are currently in use by many military forces around the world including NATO.
This particular model is the M88, made from a lightweight yet robust aluminium alloy, and has 5 active self luminous tritium lights enabling full night and day operation.
A dual use model, it's calibrated in both mils & degrees, includes a matching lanyard and also carries the Nato stock no 6605-99-225-8550 on the reverse along with its serial no 13641. Still in its original cardboard box, it clearly has had very little use and the overall condition is excellent.
You really can't get a more accurate compass, and this is perfect for anyone involved in outdoor pursuits.
Measuring 60mm in diameter and 30mm in depth, it's in full working order with no bubbles in the fluid.

An early Victorian pocket compass set in a mahogany case, with an attractive paper sunburst dial, divided into 90 degree quadrants and displaying 32 cardinal and inter-cardinal points.
Dating to around 1860, it has its original glass crystal which is retained by a brass bezel, and a flat blued steel needle, with the letters ‘N’ & ‘S.
As with many wood cased compasses of the period this is unsigned, but the use of concealed hinges attaching the lid to the base, was a feature used predominately by Francis Barker, and it’s very likely this compass was made by Barker.
This is a nice clean compass, with both crystal and dial in good condition and a transit lock activated on lid closure. Fastened with an elegant 7 shaped brass clasp, it measures 65mm x 63mm x 16mm. A real classic piece with a traditional design.  

This brass cased pocket compass is signed 'AITCHISON LONDON' on the lid, dating to the latter part of the 19th or early 20th century, long before the merging of Dollond and Aitchison in 1927.
It has a distinctive floating aluminium dial, which pivots on a gemstone bearing under a clean crystal with the four main cardinal points painted in red on the underside.
The case is free from any dents and retains all its black coating inside and has a pleasing age patination on the outside.
In full working order with a transit lock activated by lid closure to minimise wear on the pivot, this is a rare example of a more unusual pocket compass by a prestigious instrument maker, measures 50mm diameter and 15mm deep and comes in a later velvet drawstring pouch for protection.

A small early 20th century gimbal mounted mariners compass inscribed 'Star Boston. U.S.A. 47813'. The Star Compass Company was founded in 1905 in Dorchester, Boston U.S.A. and specialised in liquid marine compasses.
The liquid damped dial is very clean and has 32 cardinal and inter cardinal points with the Star Compass Company logo denoting north.
In excellent condition all round, the damping fluid is clean with no air bubbles, and the glass cover is free from any chips, contained in a compass bowl retaining all of its black painted finish.
The compass is mounted in a box jointed mahogany case with a separate sliding lid, the dimensions are 4.5" square (114mm) by 3.5" deep (90mm), and the overall compass bowl diameter is just over 72mm with a dial diameter of 52mm.
Weighing just under 700 grams this is a robust little compass in good working order that is not only a collectors piece but also practical for todays use.

This is a relatively rare prismatic marching compass engraved 'PRISMATIC COMPASS MARK V' on the lid and was produced as an alternative to the more popular Verner's pattern models which were the mainstay of the British Army during WW1.
Whilst there are no real shortages of the WW1 Verner’s pattern compasses, numbers of the Barker's models are very much less, and the underside is engraved 'BARKER & SON, LONDON, No 1129, 1905' and also has the military arrow.
The clean central dial is mother of pearl for low light reading, and as can be seen from the photos the compass body is in good condition with minimal loss of its black finish on the lid, and a clean undamaged glass crystal. In good working order, it still has the rubber anti slip ring on the base underside.
A rare compass from the pre WW1 era, it comes with the leather carrying case which is very good condition with all its stitching intact.

Tunbridge Ware items originated from the spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells and were at the height of their popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries.
This is an elegant victorian pocket compass housed within a Tunbridge Ware casing complete with domed lid and decorated with a geometric mosaic star design made up of natural coloured woods, the triangles surrounding the octagram being made from green oak.
The lid unscrews to reveal a stylish directional needle engraved N & S in gold lettering & pivots on a brass capped bearing above a traditional dial, denoting 16 cardinal and inter cardinal points under an undamaged crystal with a Fleur de Lis North pointer.
Measuring 50mm in diameter by 17mm high and in good working order this is a particularly rare combination of compass and Tunbridge Ware design, all in very good condition.

This late 19th century brass cased compass with a separate push fit lid was made by Francis Barker & Son as evidenced by the small FBS logo within the Trademark London triangle, and printed on the card dial just below the North cardinal point.
The directional needle pivots on a brass capped bearing above a traditional dial, denoting 16 cardinal and inter cardinal points under a clean undamaged crystal.
In working order and measuring 40mm in diameter, the brass case is in excellent condition retaining all of its lacquer and is free of any dents or deformities.

A British Army WW1 Verner's Pattern MKVII prismatic marching compass with leather case, all in very good condition.
Marked S F Thomas on the case, this compass belonged to one Lieutenant Colonel Stanley Ford Thomas of the 6th Battalion Shropshire Light Infantry. Thomas was also a recipient of the Distinguished Service Order during the first World War and later promoted to Major on October 3rd 1922.
The leather case is embossed 'MARTINS-BIRMm LIMd 1916' with military arrow and has fully intact stitching and shoulder strap.
The compass is engraved 'ANGLO-SWISS ASSOCIATION No. 45553, 1915' on the base and stamped with the War department military arrow.
Still retaining virtually all of its black finish on the lid, the Mother of Pearl dial and glass crystal are in very good condition, and the base still has its original rubber anti-slip ring.
In full working order including the manual transit lock, and weighing in at just under 300 grams this is a genuine piece of Britain's WW1 history with some interesting provenance.

This British Army Officers hunter cased pocket compass is signed 'Stanley, London, V, 106544, 1916' with the military arrow engraved on the lid, and with so many reproduction instruments bearing the name Stanley London on the internet, its a rare treat to find one of the few genuine items with the MK V design.
The full hunter case is in excellent condition, retaining all of its nickel plating, and comes with the distinctive Singers patent style dial card, which pivots on a gemstone bearing for reduced friction and is housed under a clean beveled glass crystal.
In full working order, a very clean compass with a strong hinge, it measures 45mm in diameter, not including the stem.

This brass cased green card dial prismatic compass with folding sight vane was made toward the latter part of the 19th century, and is in good cosmetic condition with a clean crystal under which the dial pivots on a gemstone bearing.
Although unsigned this a quality antique instrument measuring 70mm diameter & comes with its original leather case which has had a small repair on the locking strap but is also in good condition with sound stitching.
In good working order, the compass and case together weigh just under 300 grams.

This is a WW1 Verner's pattern MK VIII prismatic marching compass dated 1918 with leather case.
Engraved on the underside is 'E.R. Watts & Son, London 1918, 118297' and stamped with the British Army War department arrow.
In very good condition all round, with a Mother of Pearl dial for low light reading, it has a gemstone bearing for reduced friction and there is a transit lock activated by lid closure.
The brass case is dent free and still has its anti slip rubber ring on the underside, and the leather case is also in good condition.
In good working order, a genuine piece of Britain's WW1 history.

A very impressive explorers brass cased compass made in France during the early part of the 19th century.
Signed 'Buron Paris' the business was first established in 1788 by Buron and later carried on by his optician son from 1818 onwards who worked closely with Lerebours on landscape lenses for Daguerreotype cameras, and became a Knight of the Royal Order of the Legion d'Honneur in 1844.
The attractive floating dial is in very good legible condition, pivoting on a jewelled bearing and housed under a clean glass crystal.
The lacquered brass case is also in very good condition, still having most of its original lacquer, albeit with some minor surface tarnishing but no dents, and has its original push on protective brass lid.
In full working order, an early antique compass which measures 100mm diameter and 43mm deep with a weight of just under 350 grams.

This explorers style compass dates to the mid 19th century and was made by James Parkes & Son of 5 St. Mary's Row, Birmingham, indicated by their custom trademark logo of an eye with brow which could suggest a masonic connection.
In very good condition all round, the distinctive black & white dial has 32 cardinal and intercardinal points with a fleur de lis denoting North, housed under a clean glass crystal.
Housed in dent free brass case with original lid, it's in good working order and measures 55mm diameter and 22mm deep.

This is an elegant early Victorian brass cased pocket compass dating to around 1840.
Although unsigned this compass is clearly a quality piece with a floating card dial which is surprisingly clean for an item well over 160 years old.
The distinctive black and white dial has 32 cardinal and inter cardinal points with a fluer de lis indicating north, under a clean crystal.
Housed in dent free brass case with original domed lid, it's in full working order and measures 45mm diameter and 15mm deep.

This black lacquered brass trough compass although unsigned was probably made for the British Military during WW1 and used by surveyors and artillery crew to accurately establish magnetic north.
Not used as a traditional compass and also known as a plane table compass, it was used to establish the direction of magnetic North when aligning a plane table or theodolite.
The compass needle consists of a long narrow magnetised bar of steel, pointed at both ends, with the usual agate bearing at its centre and unusually this example has a pair of folding sight vanes.
It also has a manual transit lock and is housed in a leather covered case with an interior catch that clicks shut.
Measuring 170mm x 33mm x 20mm, it weighs 450 grams in its case and is in good working order as well as excellent cosmetic condition.

This is an unusual arrangement of a brass bowl gimbal compass with a Singers Patent black & white dial, mounted in a purpose made rectangular mahogany case with dove tail joints.
The distinctive floating card dial pivots on a gemstone bearing and has the words ‘SINGER’S PATENT’ printed under the south point.
The gimbal ring is mounted on a removable flat panel and the case has a sliding lid which has a small piece missing on one corner.
It dates to the third quarter of the 19th century and the compass is in good working order easily finding North.
A quirky but decorative item, the compass bowl is just 70mm in diameter, and the case measures 165mm long by 110mm wide and 55mm deep.

This is a WW1 Verner's pattern MK VIII prismatic marching compass dated 1917 on the leather case.
It was made by F. Darton & Co, but the engraving is very faint so the serial number can't really be read, although it is stamped with the British Army War department arrow.
In very good condition all round, with a jewelled bearing Mother of Pearl dial, the brass case retains virtually all its non reflective black finish, and there is a transit lock activated by lid closure.
It still has its anti slip rubber ring on the underside, which is so often missing on these compasses, and comes with a leather case which is also in good condition.
In good working order, a genuine piece of Britain's WW1 history.

An impressive Georgian mahogany cased pocket compass measuring 80mm square with an attractive paper dial of a particularly early design, it dates to the first quarter of the 19th century circa 1820.
Complimented by the small hand made hinges & fastened with an elegant 7 shaped brass clasp, the paper compass rose is divided into degrees showing all the points of the compass with a fleur de lys for North, & despite some minor age foxing is in relatively clean condition for a compass which is close to 200 years old.
Although the shapely steel needle has some oxidisation which is not surprising for a compass of this age, the engraved N & S is still just visible and sits under the original glass crystal which is free of any damage.
A genuine antique compass with a traditional design, it's in full working order including a transit lock activated by lid closure.

This elegant brass cased explorer’s style compass with a separate push fit lid dates to the second half of the 19th century and is signed 'H.Hughes 59 Fenchurch St, London' in the centre of the dial.
Made by Henry Hughes & Son around 1880, the stylish blued steel directional needle is engraved N & S in gold lettering & pivots on a brass capped bearing above a traditional dial, denoting 32 cardinal and inter cardinal points under a clean undamaged crystal.
Although the lacquered brass case does have some minor lacquer loss on the lid, it is free of any dents or deformities.
This is an antique compass of high quality in very good condition and in full working order.
The dimensions are 70mm diameter and 17mm deep.

This is a WW2 full hunter cased British Army Officers pocket compass, engraved 'MK VI 1940, F Barker &Son (1932) Ltd, London, B 5961' on the lid and also has the War department military arrow, which shows it was issued to the field.
Made by Francis Barker, the nickel plated hunter case is in very good condition, with a bevelled glass crystal covering the jewelled floating dial.
Measuring 45mm in diameter, its in good condition, and in full working order.

This is a WW1 Verner's pattern MK VII prismatic marching compass dated 1916 with leather case and carry strap.
Engraved Cruchon & Emons, London, it's also stamped with the British Army War department arrow on the underside of the compass body.
In very good condition all round, with a Mother of Pearl dial for low light reading, it has a gemstone bearing for reduced friction and there is a transit lock activated by lid closure.
The brass case is dent free and still has its anti slip rubber ring on the underside, which is so often missing on these compasses.
It comes with a leather case which is also in very good condition with all stitching intact and inscribed J.M Haigh and L/Cpl. Heyes, who presumably were previous owners.
In good working order, a genuine piece of Britain's WW1 history.

This is a nice example of an early 20th century pocket compass marked 'REG.NO. 416645' on the dial, the design patented by Francis Barker & Son.
The dial design is sometimes referred to as the R.G.S. (Royal Geographical Society) pattern which was in use in the late 19th century, before the patent was applied for by Francis Barker in 1903.
The aluminium dial is clean, unblemished & pivots on a gemstone bearing under a chip free glass crystal.
The hunter case is in good condition with no dings or dents, and still retains virtually all its non reflective finish.
Measuring 45mm in diameter and 15mm deep, the compass is in good working order including the lid activated transit lock, and comes in a brown leather case which is also in very good condition.

This is quite a rare example of a leather cased MK IX prismatic marching compass, engraved on the reverse: 'CKC/C, 5852C MK.IX, 1943'.
Although Francis Barker had the patent rights for many military compasses including this model, and used a large proportion of their production for supply to other instrument makers, the absence of the 'B' prefix on the serial number shows it was actually made under licence by the Canadian Kodak Company for the Canadian military during WW2.
In full working order, the aluminium dial pivots on a gemstone bearing under a clean chip free crystal.
In very good cosmetic condition, it also has an automatic transit lock activated by lid closure, and comes with a 1928 dated leather case which is also in very good condition.

This is a very elegant mid 19th century pocket compass circa 1860, set in a hinged mahogany block with chamferred sides on the lid which is fastened by two side brass clasps. It has a shapely blued-steel needle engraved N & S for clarity over a traditional paper dial incorporating eight cardinal points, with an elaborate fleur de lis denoting North.
This is one of the larger examples measuring 115mm square and is in very good condition with a clean crystal and dial.
Although unsigned, as many 19th century wood block compasses are, the concealed hinges were a feature almost exclusively used by Francis Barker & Son, and the quality is certainly in keeping with that makers reputation.
In full working order, including the transit lock this is an impressive Victorian compass, with a particularly attractive compass rose.

A distinctive early Victorian brass cased pocket compass dating to around 1850.
Although unsigned this compass is clearly a quality piece with an English cross bar needle pivoting on a gemstone bearing over a clean paper dial with no tears or lifting and is protected by a clean crystal (please note there is a tiny edge chip on the glass around the transit lock stem, but very hard to see).
The lacquered brass case is free from any dents and has its original push on lid which activates the transit lock when closed.
In full working order, it measures 38mm diameter and 14mm deep.

A very elegant brass cased explorer’s style compass with a separate push fit lid made by Francis Barker & Son around 1880, as evidenced by the small FBS logo within the Trademark London triangle, and printed on the card dial just below the North cardinal point.
The stylish blued steel directional needle is engraved N & S in gold lettering & pivots on a brass capped bearing above a traditional dial, denoting 32 cardinal and inter cardinal points under a clean undamaged crystal.
Although the lacquered brass case does have lacquer loss in some areas as can be seen in the photos, it is free of any dents or deformities.
This is an antique compass of high quality, by the most renowned of all compass makers, and in full working order, including a lid activated transit lock.
The dimensions are 70mm diameter and 16mm deep.

This brass trough compass was made by Francis Barker & Son for use by the British Military during the WW2 era, and is engraved 'F.B&S 1932 LTD, M.K. II,' with a military crowfoot arrow on the side.
Not used as a traditional compass and known also as a plane table compass, it was used by surveyors to establish the direction of magnetic North when aligning a plane table or theodolite.
The needle of the compass consists of a long narrow magnetised bar of steel, pointed at both ends, with the usual gemstone bearing at its centre for reduced friction. In good condition and housed in a bakelite case with a sliding lid that activates a transit lock for when the instrument is not in use.
Measuring 165mm x 35mm x 25mm, it weighs just over 200 grams and is in good working order.

This is a quite unique example of a late 19th century mariners compass mounted on gimbals in a mahogany case with decorative brass corner brackets, all in very good condition.
Usually these styles of compasses are quite large, but this particular example, is only 3" (75mm) square & 1.5" (40mm) in height, with the compass bowl being just 45mm in diameter, making it a very compact and consequently much rarer instrument.
The compass floating card dial is the distinctive Singers Patent black & white design pivoting on a gemstone bearing, and is set within a lacqured brass bowl which is free of any knocks or dents, and retains nearly all its original finish.
An unusually small, yet robust little compass weighing only 170 grams, it's in full working order with a clean dial and glass crystal.

This impressive English surveyors compass was made sometime in the first half of the 19th century by Edward Bryan in Manchester.
Fitted in a velvet lined mahogany case with folding sight vanes, it's signed on the dial 'EDWARD BRYAN, 24 CROSS STREET MANCHESTER'.
The English cross bar needle pivots on a gemstone bearing above the silvered dial under a clean, chip free glass crystal, and also has a lid axctivated transit lock.
This is a substantial compass example measuring 180mm x 155mm x 40mm, with a dial diameter of 120mm, and weighs just under 1kg.
The cosmetic condition is really very good as can be seen from the photos, the mahogany case in particular having a warm patination that only comes with the passage of time.
Not only is this an antique precision compass in full working order, but now 150 years later it would grace any executive desk as a unique decorative item.

This is an unsigned brass marching compass dating to the end of the 19th century period with a dial design used by Ross.
Very similar to the Verners MK III patterns it's a non prismatic model, & the white compass card is is surrounded by a silvered bearing ring, with a brass manual stop & finger brake on one side.
In good working order, it measures 2" in diameter & is in good used condition, with a heavy bevelled crystal that emphasises the quality of this piece.
Comes with a leather case from the same period.

Dating to the first half of the 20th century, this large Oak cased compass measuring 8.5" square was originally made for educational purposes but today makes an impressive desk ornament.
Made by Francis Barker & Son in the 1930's for the London County Council education department, it also has the Trade Mark London logo arranged in a triangle above the North fleur de lis, within which are the superimposed F B & S letters.
The attractive paper dial is in exceptional condition with no staining as is often found in other compasses of the period, and is set under a jewelled steel needle measuring 6.5" in length, the glass crystal is also original and in excellent condition.
Not only a decorative item, but also a functional compass in working order including the transit lock, this is a substantial instrument weighing just over 1kg.

This is a good example of a leather cased MK IX prismatic marching compass, with a relatively early serial number and is engraved on the reverse: 'MK. IX, No 599 9 F.BARKER & SON. (1932) Ltd, LONDON, 1936' (also has the British Army War office military arrow).
Dating to the WW2 period, this compass was not only manufactured by Francis Barker & Son but actually carries their own branding. (As Barker had the patent rights for most of the military compasses, the bulk of their production was made for supply to many other instrument makers on a wholesale basis)
In full working order, it also has the traditional Mother of Pearl dial for low light reading, and is in very good condition, retaining virtually all of its original black finish.
A dry dial compass with a gemstone pivot bearing, it has an automatic transit lock activated by lid closure, and protected by its original tan leather case which is also in very good condition.

This is a fine example of a mid 19th century mariners compass mounted on gimbals in a mahogany case with a sliding lid. The mahogany case has early dovetail joints and is generally in sound condition, measuring 4.5" (112mm) square & just over 2" (55mm) in height. With a compass bowl diameter of just 75mm this is a smaller example than usual and therefore not so common.
The compass floating card dial pivots on a gemstone bearing, and is set within a bronzed brass bowl which is free of any knocks or dents and retains all its original finish, unusually it also has a transit lock operated by a sliding brass button on the side of the brass bowl.
Dating to circa 1850, this is a robust little compass weighing just under 500 grams and is in full working order with a clean dial and glass crystal.

A good example of a full hunter cased pocket watch style compass, with a gemstone pivot floating dial, and set in a nickel plated case which has the insignia badge of the Royal Air Force Germany (Keepers of The Peace) attached to the lid.
The compass dates to the pre WW2 period, but RAF Germany was formed in 1959 so the insignia was added after this time.
Although not signed by any maker, it was probably made by Francis Barker and is the MK VII version which was the last model of the hunter cased pocket watch style designs that were developed during WW1 for British Army Officers.
In very good condition, the case is good with a clean undamaged crystal, all in fine working order. Measures 45mm in diameter.

A fine example of a Francis Barker & Son 19th century hunter cased pocket compass, having a black & white Singers patent style card dial with the FBS trademark logo printed just below the North Star point.
The intertwined FBS letters of the logo show the 'S' to be reversed in recognition of the death of Francis Barker in 1875, so made after that date & likely to be circa 1890.
Of brass construction, with a clean glass crystal having a red lubber line painted on the underside, it's in very good condition all round, and the case is free from any dents retaining virtually all its black coating.
In full working order with a transit lock activated by lid closure, this is one of the more unusual pocket compasses by a much sought after maker, measures 60mm diameter and 20mm deep.

This is a WW1 Verners pattern MKVII prismatic marching compass with leather case.
In excellent cosmetic condition, it's engraved 'Cruchon & Emons London No 1916' on the base and also has the War department military arrow.
The leather case is also embossed with the military arrow so is likely to be the original case, which is also in good condition & all stitching intact.
Still retaining virtually all of its black finish on the lid, the Mother of Pearl dial and glass covers are in very good condition.
The serial number is 17678 which is engraved inside the lid.
In full working order, a nice complete example.

An attractive early Victorian pocket compass set in a fishskin covered case, measuring 52mm in diameter, and dating to circa 1860.
The elegant blued steel needle is impressed 'N' & 'S' in gold letters for clarity, and sits over a traditional paper compass dial which is still very legible, incorporating 16 cardinal & intercardinal points with a fleur de lys for North.
The compass glass crystal is protected by a silk lining on the lid, which is fastened by an ornate brass clasp.
In working order, the cosmetic condition of both compass & outer case is good, the case in particular having a sound hinge and clasp.

This Edwardian pocket compass with the unusual feature of a folding gnomon is set in a mahogany case, with an elegant scroll shaped brass fastener.
The clean paper dial has a 360 degree graduated scale for compass readings, with 8 main cardinal points.
In very good cosmetic condition as can be seen by the photos, it measures 63mm square & 18mm deep.
A nice clean compass dating to the early 1900's, it's a visually impressive piece and fully functional with a lid activated transit lock.

An attractive 19th century brass cased pocket compass that unusually has what appears to be a silver North cardinal point on the dial.
Signed 'CALLAGHAN LONDON'around the centre point on the floating card dial which pivots on a gemstone bearing under a clean glass crystal, it dates to the second half of the 19th cenury and was probably made by William Callaghan who worked at various addresses in London from 1860.
A small compass measuring just under 37mm in overall diameter, it's in good working order and also has a a built in transit lock which is activated when the brass lid is in place.

A superb example of a WW1 British Army Officers MK V pocket watch compass by L Kamm, in a full hunter nickel case which is in excellent dent free condition. The lid is engraved 'L Kamm & Co, London, V, 49194, 1915', along with the military arrow showing it to have been issued into service.
This compass is in very good cosmetic condition as can be seen from the photos, with a thick bevelled glass crystal covering the distinctive Singers patent style black & white floating dial, which is mounted on a jewelled brass bearing for reduced friction on the pivot point.
Unlike the majority of MK V compasses, the inner compass body is fixed to the nickel case by means of two small screws on the underside, which is a further design refinement, unique to only a very few makers including Kamm.
A fine working example from one of the rarer makers who did not use the more common Dennison case.
In full working order, with a strong hinge, it measures 45mm in diameter.

An unusual Hunter cased combined pocket compass & clinometer with integral folding sight vanes.
No makers marks and of nickel plated brass construction, it's generally in very good condition & probably dates to the early part of the 20th century.
The compass has a needle with a red gemstone pivot, set over an aluminium 2 tier dial, the upper 360 degree scale being for compass readings, and the lower 180 degree scale is for the clinometer function.
All in good working order with a manual transit lock, it's a substantial instrument measuring 60mm diameter and 25mm in depth.

A stylish example of an Edwardian hunter cased pocket compass with an English cross bar needle on a jewelled pivot, and signed 'F.BARKER & SON MAKERS LONDON' on the frosted aluminium dial.
Dating to around 1910, its in very good clean condition with a clear undamaged crystal on which the main cardinal points are painted in red on the underside.
The brass case is also in good condition with a warm patination, and is dent free.
Measuring 50mm in diameter not including the bow, this is a sturdy yet attractive compass in full working order including the transit lock which is activated by lid closure.

This mid 19th century pocket compass is set in a hinged mahogany block and has a shapely blued-steel needle engraved N & S for clarity, with a paper dial divided into degrees.
Although unsigned, as many 19th century wood block compasses are, the concealed hinges were a feature almost exclusively used by Francis Barker, and the quality is certainly in keeping with that makers reputation.
Fastened with an attractive 7 shaped brass clasp, this is a nice clean compass, with both crystal and dial in fine order, and a working transit lock activated by lid closure.
Measuring 65mm square, it is in full working order, and very good cosmetic condition, a classic Victorian compass with a traditional dial design.

This is an elegant 19th century brass cased explorers or travellers compass with a traditional dial, denoting 16 cardinal and inter cardinal points, under a clean crystal.
The blued steel needle has N & S lettering for clarity, and the brass case is in very good condition, with no dents.
Dating to around 1860 it's unsigned but is clearly an antique compass of some quality, with a clean paper dial except for one small age stain around the SE point, and has its original push fit brass lid.

In full working order, the dimensions are 45mm diameter and 11mm deep.

An Edwardian pocket compass set in what appears to be an oak case, with two elegant scroll shaped brass fasteners.
The clean paper dial has a 360 degree graduated scale for compass readings, with 8 main cardinal points, and probably made in England for export as the dial pattern is French, note the 'O' (Ouest) for West.
This compass is in very good condition as can be seen by the photos, and measures 70mm square & 20mm deep.
A nice clean compass, dating to the first quarter of the 20th century, and fully functional with a lid activated transit lock.

Not only is this Glauser MK 4 a rare compass, but it's also in excellent condition and comes complete with its leather case & most of the original service kit.
The kit comprises of a 1/2 oz bottle of liquid (empty), disc spanner, sighting wire, chamois leather & instruction sheet, the spare interchangeable pivot being the only item missing.
Designed in the 1950's as a special project, it featured the facility to trap any bubbles inside a double casing that could be easily topped up with liquid, and an easily replaced pivot, which also made it possible for it to be serviced by the owner instead of having to send it back to the manufacturer.
It comes with mother of pearl dial divided into degreees with an accuracy of +/- 1/2 degree, and is in exceptional cosmetic condition, even the luminous points are still active.
Although designed by J M Glauser, it appears from the instruction sheet that Henry Browne & Son were the sole manufacturers, which suggests that this may have been after 1956 when Jean Maurice Glauser retired.
A precision compass in full working order with no bubbles in the alcohol liquid, and of brass construction, it has a substantial feel to it weighing 11oz without its case.

An excellent condition WW1 British Army Officers MK VI pocket compass, engraved W. F. Holmes, Birmingham VI 44198, 1918, with the military arrow denoting War department issue, also stamped on the lid.
The polished full hunter case is free of any dents and retains all its original nickel plating, with a bevelled glass crystal covering an attractive jewelled bearing floating dial, which has all its original dial markings intact.
In full working order, with a strong hinge, it measures 45mm in diameter not including the stem, a fine example of these iconic compasses.

Dating to the first half of the 19th century (circa 1850), this brass cased pocket compass measures 75mm in diameter and stands 35mm high.
Although there is no lid, it does have the advantage of a removable crystal within a brass bezel, which means it can be easily kept clean.
The attractive card dial is in good cosmetic condition and the brass case is also free from any dents or gouges with wear consistent with its age.
Unsigned, but in full working order.

This is a fine example of an early 19th century mariners compass mounted on gimbals in an oak case with a later replacement sliding lid.
In good condition, it measures 5" (130mm) square & 4" (100mm) in height, with the compass bowl being 80mm in diameter, making it a smaller than usual and therefore not so common.
The compass floating card dial pivots on a gemstone bearing, and is set within a brass bowl which is free of any knocks or dents and retains all its original lacquer.
The oak case has early dovetail joints and is generally in sound condition although the base has a large ink stain, probably happened in rough seas! There is also a faded label on the front where the words Mariners Compass can just be made out.
Dating to circa 1840, this is a robust little compass weighing just over 600 grams and is in full working order with a clean dial and glass crystal.

A small 19th century brass cased pocket compass circa 1840, with a distinctive floating dial pivoting on a gemstone bearing.
Although there is no makers name, the card dial is in very good legible condition and is housed under a clean glass crystal.
The brass case is also in good condition, free of any dents, and has its original push on protective brass lid.
In full working order, a good example of an early Victorian compass which measures 40mm diameter and 18mm deep with a transit lock activated by a

This is a relatively rare prismatic marching compass engraved 'BARKERS PATENT, PAT No: 29677, 1910' and was produced as an alternative to the more popular Verner's pattern models which were the mainstay of the British Army during WW1.
Whilst there are no real shortages of the WW1 Verner’s pattern compasses, numbers of the Barker's patent models are very much less.
The clean central dial is aluminium with an outer 360 degree scale on a transparent rim, and as can be seen from the photos the compass body is in good condition with minimal loss of its black finish on the lid, and a clean undamaged glass crystal. The only blemish is that it no longer has the rubber anti slip ring on the base underside, but this doesn't affect the function as it's in full working order.
A rare compass from the WW1 era, it comes with its original leather carrying case which although lightly scuffed in places is very sound with all its stitching intact.

An attractive late Victorian pocket compass set in a leather covered outer case measuring 40mm in diameter, it has a label inside the lid which reads 'A. Franks, Optician, Manchester, Liverpool & Hull'.
This is Aubrey Franks who belonged to the famous Franks family founded in the late 18th century by Isaac Franks. The firm operated in Manchester from 1798 and continued as a family business throughout the 19th & 20th centuries with Aubrey taking it over in 1878.
The firm operated under the Franks name until 1950, when it was finally acquired by Dollond & Aitchison.
The elegant blued steel needle is impressed 'N' & 'S' in gold lettering & sits over a clean paper compass dial incorporating 16 cardinal & intercardinal points with a fleur de lys for North.
The compass glass crystal is protected by a blue velvet lining on the case lid, which is fastened by an ornate brass clasp.
In good working order, the cosmetic condition of both compass & outer case is good, although the case is a little on the delicate side.

This is a J H Steward Verners Pattern MK VII prismatic marching compass signed J. H. STEWARD LONDON on the lid.
The MK VII was introduced in to the British Army just before WW1, and although this example doersn't have a serial number it does have the military arrow which suggests it was issued very early in or prior to WW1.
Still retaining virtually all of its black finish on the lid, the Mother of Pearl dial and glass covers are in very good condition, and the base still has its original rubber anti slip ring.
In full working order with a manual transit lock, a nice complete example from WW1 which comes with a good condition Sam Browne leather case for attaching to a belt.

A fine example of a 1918 British Army Officers MK VI pocket compass by Clement Clarke, a British optician established in 1917, so made relatively few of these compasses during WW1. Housed in a full hunter case which is in excellent dent free condition, it retains all its nickel plating both inside and out, and is engraved 'CLEMENT CLARKE LTD, LONDON, VI , 35783 1918' on the lid along with the military arrow, although the markings are quite worn but still readable.
Despite this the compass is in excellent cosmetic condition as can be seen from the photos, and the thick bevelled glass crystal covers the clean aluminium dial, mounted on a jewelled brass bearing for reduced friction on the pivot point.
In full working order, with a strong hinge, it measures 45mm in diameter.

A quality brass cased Victorian compass with a separate brass lid, by Francis Barker & Son London. The blued steel needle with gold letters pivots above an attractive sunburst dial and is covered by a clean undamaged crystal.
The paper dial has the F Barker and Son logo, within the trademark London triangle just under the North cardinal point and dates to the latter part of the 19th century.
A small example measuring just 30mm in diameter, it's a nice antique compass in very good condition with no dents and a snug fitting lid, in full working order.

This black lacquered brass trough compass, was made by Francis Barker & Son for use by the British Military during WW1, and is engraved 'F.BARKER & SON, LONDON, II, No. 9571, 1916' on the side.
Not used as a traditional compass and known also as a plane table compass, it was used by surveyors to establish the direction of magnetic North when aligning a plane table or theodolite. The needle of the compass consists of a long narrow magnetised bar of steel, pointed at both ends, with the usual agate bearing at its centre. It is mounted in a narrow rectangular box carrying a pivot at its centre, and is housed in a mahogany case with a sliding lid that activates a transit lock for when the instrument is not in use.
Measuring 168mm x 40mm x 28mm in its wooden case, it weighs just over 0.3kgs and is in good working order as well as excellent cosmetic condition.

One of the rarer examples of a WW1 British Army Officers pocket watch compass, engraved Terrasse. W. Co. VI 87567, 1918, along with the military arrow.
The nickel plated case is in good condition, although the plating is a little rubbed in places on the outside surfaces and more so on the underside as can be seen in the larger photos, but is completely intact inside the lid.
It has a bevelled glass crystal covering the attractive jewelled pivot floating aluminium dial which is in very good condition, retaining all its original markings.
In full working order, with strong hinge. A fine working example from one of the lesser known makers of this style of compass. Measures 45mm in diameter.

Although this mahogany cased pocket compass is named and dated June 1902 by a previous owner, it was made a little earlier in the late Victorian period, sometime during the 1880's.
The distinctive paper dial has 16 cardinal points and an outer scale calibrated in 2 degree increments in four 90 degree quadrants.
In excellent cosmetic condition, direction is indicated by an English cross bar needle which pivots on a jewelled bearing under a clean undamaged crystal.
Measuring 67mm square, the lid is skilfully hand engraved 'Thomas R Midgley, June 1902' and is fastened with two '7' shaped brass clasps.
This is a stylish antique compass in full working order, including the original transit lock activated by lid closure.

This mid 19th century small boat compass consists of a bowl and gimbal ring made of a lacquered brass construction, and housed in its original oak box with sliding lid.
The traditional card dial pivots on a gemstone bearing, has 32 cardinal & inter cardinal points, with an outer scale of four 90 degree quadrants.
An unsigned piece which is complete, and in excellent cosmetic condition throughout, the box dimensions are 5" square by 4" high, with a compass bowl diameter of 3".

Weighing just over 700 grams, it's not only in good working order, but also a nice decorative antique which displays very well.

This is a fine example of a 1917 British Army Officers full hunter cased pocket compass from WW1.
It's engraved 'F Barker & Son London, 1917, VI, 19866' on the underside of the case, and the lid has the numbers 128693M on the inside.
The nickel plated hunter case is in very good dent free condition with all its plating intact, and it has a bevelled glass crystal covering the floating dial which pivots on a red gemstone bearing for reduced friction.
A fine military compass by Francis Barker, who was probably the most prolific compass maker in history, it's in very good condition, and in full working order. It measures 45mm diameter.

This small brass pocket compass engraved 'LENNIE EDINBURGH' inside the lid dates to the latter part of the 19th century, circa 1880's.
Although measuring only 35mm diameter, this is quite a striking little compass with a black & white Singers patent style card dial pivoting on a gemstone bearing. The dial also has the word ENGLAND on it which suggests that Lennie didn't manufacture the compass but bought it on a wholesale basis, probably from Francis Barker, and rebranded it.
It has a gunmetal finish both inside & outside the hunter case which is pretty much complete, although there is some minor loss inside the lid.
A compact compass, of good quality which is in full working order.

Whilst there are no real shortages of the WW1 Verner’s Pattern prismatic compasses, this particular non prismatic example was made by J H Steward, probably around the 1890’s before the Verners pattern model numbers were introduced in the early 20th century, as it is engraved ‘No 2363 VERNER COMPASS PATENT, J H STEWARD, 406 STRAND LONDON’

As can be seen from the photos it is in good condition with minimal loss of its black finish on the lid, and a clean undamaged glass crystal under which the card dial retains all its markings.

A rare compass in full working order, there is also a manual transit lock.

A full hunter cased pocket compass with a Verners style aluminium dial which pivots on a red gemstone bearing, under a clean glass crystal.
The case is of blackened brass construction and is in almost mint condition with virtually no paint loss or any dents.
Signed 'Sherwood London' on the clean dial, it's a non prismatic model dating to the post WW1 period and is in full working order.
In excellent all round condition, it measures 55mm diameter and 18mm depth, and incorporates a transit lock activated on lid closure.

This WW1 Verner's pattern MKVIII prismatic marching compass is made by Sampson Mordan, and is engraved 'S. Mordan & Co, 102376, 1918', it's also stamped with the British Army War department arrow on the underside of the compass body.
It has the original owners details hand scribed on the compass body, and reads 'J GARNER LT 7 no SHER FOR'. This refers to a Lieutenant J Garner of the 7th (Robin Hood) Battalion Sherwood Foresters, who served from 1914 - 1920 and was awarded the British war medal & Victory medal.
In very good condition all round, with a jewelled bearing Mother of Pearl dial, the brass case has a nice age patination, and there is a transit lock activated by lid closure.
It still has its anti slip rubber ring on the underside, so often missing on these compasses, and comes with its original leather case also dated 1918, which is also in very good condition with all stitching intact.
In good working order, a genuine piece of Britain's WW1 history.

This black lacquered brass, green card prismatic compass was made by Elliott Bros and is printed 'ELLIOTT BROS, STRAND, LONDON' on the dial around the pivot.
The founder William Elliott formed a partnership with his sons Frederick & Charles in 1850, and the firm became known as Elliott & Sons. However, the name was changed to Elliott Bros from 1854 after William retired in 1853.
It measures 70mm diameter, and has a folding front sight which also locks the compass card for transit, and a prism that locks down by means of a brass strap. The compass body also has the name of the original owner 'F. J. DeLisle.' engraved in a flowing script, along with his initials F.J.D. impressed on the original leather case.
My research indicates that this was Frederick J DeLisle, a Lieutenant in the 8th Battery Brigade in South Africa during the Zulu wars of 1879 and is recorded in the UK Military award Rolls as receiving a campaign medal for actively engaging against the Zulus.
In good working order this is a relatively rare example in very good condition, from one of the more renowned makers of the 19th century, and with an interesting military provenance.

A very elegant brass cased explorer’s style compass with a separate push fit lid probably made around 1880 by Francis Barker & Son on a wholesale basis, so unsigned.
The stylish English cross bar needle pivots on a jewelled bearing above a traditional dial, denoting 32 cardinal and inter cardinal points, under a clean undamaged crystal.
Housed in a lacqured brass case with minor some lacquer loss as can be seen in the photos, it is free of any dents and has some numbers which appear to read 18/6 scratched on the underside, which may have been some kind of index number.
This is a very clean antique compass of high quality, with its original glass crystal which is free of any chips or damage.
In full working order, including a transit lock activated when lid is in place, the dimensions are 60mm diameter and 18mm deep.

This is a 1970's prismatic liquid filled prismatic compass in superb cosmetic condition and engraved 'Enbeeco, Made in England' on the reverse, which is a brand name of Newbold & Bulford Co Ltd.
It has a degrees dial, and although is similar in design to the Francis Barker M88, the maker is not so well known but the compass is still a quality precision instrument which compares well with the M88, and is a good alternative for a lower budget.
The body is constructed from an aluminium alloy which is slightly heavier than the M88 at 133 grams, and comes in its original leather case.
As can be seen from the photos the condition is exceptional showing very little signs of use, and is in full working order with the liquid damping effect giving precise readings very quickly.

This is a WW2 full hunter cased British Army Officers pocket compass, engraved 'MK VI 1940, F Barker &Son (1932) Ltd, London, B 5237' on the lid and also has the War department military arrow, which shows it was issued to the field.
Made by Francis Barker, the nickel plated hunter case is in very good condition, with a bevelled glass crystal covering the jewelled floating dial.
As can be seen from the photos, its in really good condition, and in full working order, with a strong hinge.
It measures 45mm diameter.

A nice example of a Hunter cased pocket compass by Francis Barker, which dates to the early part of the 20th century, and quite similar in style to the WW1 British Army Officers compasses.
Fitted with an English cross bar needle that pivots on an agate gemstone, above an attractive frosted aluminium dial on which is printed 'F Barker & Son, Makers London '.
A super compass measuring 45mm in diameter, it's in good working order and the clean glass crystal is chip free.
A very collectable compass by probably the most prolific of all of compass makers.

A stunning early Victorian gilded brass pocket compass set in a red silk & velvet lined leather case, this is a particularly rare example made by the celebrated Manchester optician John Benjamin Dancer, son of Josiah dancer whose business he inherited in 1835.
As can be seen from the photos it's in exceptional condition, and the English cross bar needle pivots on a red gemstone bearing for reduced friction, above a white enamel dial with 16 cardinal & inter cardinal points, protected by a slightly domed glass crystal.
Dating to circa 1845, it comes fitted in a Moroccan leather case which is in good sound condition and retains its ornate brass fastening clasp.
Measuring 35mm in diameter not including the bow, this elegant compass is in working order including the transit lock, activated by a lever behind the compass stem and finds North easily, settling quickly.

This is a rare MK V British Army Officers pocket compass engraved 'F. Darton & Co. London,V, no 79531 A, 1916.'
Housed in a bright nickel plated full hunter case with its distinctive Singers style dial, it’s in full working order the crystal is free from any chips. The lid flips open by depressing the push button on the crown, and snaps shut with a positive click as it should.
It measures 45mm diameter not including crown and ring, the floating card dial finds North each time, and pivots on a jewel for reduced friction.
Unlike the majority of MK V compasses, the inner compass body is fixed to the nickel case by means of two small screws on the underside, which is a further design refinement, unique to only a very few makers including F Darton.
The MK V was discontinued during 1917, so this is likely to be one of the last models made by one of the rarer makers of this style of compass.

This is a WW1 Verner's pattern MKVIII prismatic marching compass dated 1917.
Engraved E. R. Watts & Son, London with serial no 73633, it's also stamped with the British Army War department arrow on the underside of the compass body.
In very good condition all round, with a jewelled bearing Mother of Pearl dial, the brass case has a nice age patination, and there is a transit lock activated by lid closure.
It still has its anti slip rubber ring on the underside, which is so often missing on these compasses, and comes with a leather case which is also in very good condition with all stitching intact.
In good working order, a genuine piece of Britain's WW1 history.

A nice example of a WW1 military marching compass by J Wardale London, dated 1918 and numbered 6269, the majority of these compasses were made out of wood toward the end of WW1 when brass was becoming very scarce, due to its extensive use in munitions.
Set in a mahogany block measuring 3" square, with a Verner's design dial card under a rotating glass crystal, it's in good original condition with very little cosmetic wear and tear.
In good working order throughout, the base is engraved 'J WARDALE & Co, LONDON, 1918 no 6269' and there is a small military arrow engraved in one corner, showing it to have been issued in to service.

This is an impressive 19th century brass cased pocket compass circa 1830, with a separate push on lid.
It has a shapely blued-steel needle engraved N & S for clarity, with a clean paper dial divided into degrees and also showing all the points of the compass.
Although unsigned, this is a nice clean compass, with both crystal and dial in fine order, and a working transit lock activated by lid closure.

Measuring 60mm in diameter, it is in full working order, and excellent cosmetic condition, a classic Georgian compass with a traditional dial design. 

This large Victorian mahogany cased desk top compass measures 7.5" (190mm) square, with a dial diameter of 6.25" (160mm)and made during the last quarter of the 19th century in London, for use as an educational aid in schools.
The Elementary Education Act of 1870 created elected school boards to build & run schools, and this compass was made for the London School Board by the maker W.W. Hooper, the attractive paper dial reads 'SCHOOL BOARD FOR LONDON. WW Hooper Chester Road, East Ham. E.'
The School boards were abolished in 1902 and replaced by Local education Authorities.
Not only a very impressive compass in good working order, but also quite a rare item which is part of social history.
In great condition, North is a fleur-de-lis and there are no fewer than 32 Cardinal & inter cardinal points plus an outer scale with four 90 degree quadrants.

The majority of MK V pocket compasses were made during the WW1 period up to 1917 when they were superceded by the MK VI version.
This particular example is quite rare as not only does it date from 1910 with a very low serial number, but it also has the earlier card dial as opposed to the more common aluminium ones found in the majority.
Made by Short & Mason and engraved on the lid 'Short & Mason Ltd, London, V, 1910, 2981', it also has the military arrow, showing that it was issued into service.
The hunter case is in very good condition with only one or two very minor dings and retains all its nickel plating both inside and out.
It has a bevelled glass crystal covering the distinctive Singers patent black & white floating dial, which is mounted on a jewelled brass bearing for reduced friction on the pivot point.
In full working order, with a strong hinge, it measures 45mm in diameter, not including the stem.

A rare pocket compass, with a classic black & white Singers patent design on a Mother of Pearl dial, housed in a gilded brass case.
Although unsigned this is a quality piece dating to the latter part of the 19th century circa 1880, and in very good condition as can be seen from the photos.
The clean dial pivots on a gemstone bearing and is set under a clean undamaged bevelled crystal.
In good working order, with a functioning transit lock activated by a push button on the stem, this is an impressive compass in very good condition, and measures 42mm diameter not including the bow.
It comes with a modern gold plated albert style chain, and will be sent in a plush gift box.

This is a British Army WW1 Officers pocket watch style compass, engraved C Haseler & Son Ltd, Birmingham VI 127112 1917, along with the War Department military arrow on the lid. The engraving is quite shallow and difficult to photograph, but is easily read by eye when held in the hand.
It has its original bevelled glass crystal which is in fine condition, and covers an attractive jewelled pivot floating dial with most of its markings intact, save for some minor paint loss on the tip of the North arrow.
The full hunter case is in very good condition, retaining all its original nickel plating with no dents, and the compass is in full working order.
Measuring 45mm diameter on the main body, it's a fine example of these charismatic WW1 compasses, which are becoming increasingly scarce.

This is a very elegant mid 19th century pocket compass circa 1870, set in a hinged mahogany block 65mm square. It has a shapely blued-steel needle engraved N & S in gold lettering, pivoting over a clean paper dial divided into degrees and also showing all the points of the compass. The needle is held by a detent which comes into play when the lid is closed.
The compass dial has the makers name 'YEATES & SON, DUBLIN', who succeeded George Yeates & Son in 1865.
Fastened with an attractive 7 shaped brass clasp, this is a nice clean compass, with both crystal and dial in clean condition.
In very good condition and in full working order, it finds North well, this is a classic Victorian compass with a traditional dial design.

With so many reproduction instruments bearing the name Stanley London on the internet, its a rare treat to find one of the few genuine items, and this particular compass is a fine example to admire.
Dating to the latter part of the 19th century, it's constructed from brass with an English cross bar needle which pivots above a distinctive dial, engraved 'STANLEY LONDON', and covered by the original crystal in clean undamaged condition.
It has a separate push on lid for protecting the glass crystal, which also activates a transit lock for locking the needle when in place.
A quality Victorian piece with a traditional printed paper dial denoting 16 cardinal and inter cardinal points, it's in very good condition all round, no dents, and the paper dial is complete without any tears.
A fully working antique compass measuring 47mm in diameter.

An impressive example of an early Georgian mariners pocket compass dating between 1820 & 1830.
Housed in a brass case with lid, it comes with its original sepearate velvet lined papier mache outer case, so often missing on these compasses.
Although unsigned the distinctive floating card dial is of a particularly early design and is still surprisingly clean, although there is some minor fading only visible on close inspection.
In very good condition all round including the outer case, it still has the original glass crystal and there are no dents in the brass case or lid.
In good working order, it measures 50mm diameter in its brass case, with the outer case being 60mm in diameter.

A British Army WW1 Verner's Pattern MKVII prismatic marching compass with leather case and carry strap, all in very good condition.
Engraved '1915 Ed KOEHN GENEVA SWITZERLAND no 21754'on the base, and also the War department military arrow.
Still retaining virtually all of its black finish on the lid, the Mother of Pearl dial and glass covers are in very good condition, and the base still has its original rubber anti slip ring.
The leather case is embossed J B Brooks & Co Ltd 1915, and is likely to be the original case given they share the same date.
In full working order, a nice complete example from WW1.

This is an impressive Georgian mahogany cased pocket compass measuring 80mm square.
The attractive paper compass dial is of a particularly early design, graduated in 90 degree quadrants and dates to the first quarter of the 19th century circa 1820.
Complimented by the small triangular hand made hinges and a plain blued steel needle, this is a stylish antique compass which is approaching 200 years old.
It's quite rare to find compasses of this age in such good condition, and it's in full working order including the original transit lock activated by lid closure.

A fine example of a late 18th or early 19th century brass cased pocket compass circa 1800.
Although unsigned the sunburst design of the dial and blued steel needle with the triangular brass cap bearing indicates that this is an early compass.
The brass case is in very good condition with no dents and unusually has a screw on domed lid instead of the more common push on type.
In good working order with its original glass crystal and clean dial, it measures 42mm in diameter and 15mm deep including the lid.

This is a large prismatic artillery compass, made by E. R. Watts & Son London, during the 1920's.
It really is an impressive instrument measuring 125mm in diameter and incorporates a number of features not found on the more standard models, including two rotating sun filters on the prism, with an adjustable folding mirror on the back sight.
A substantial instrument weighing over 800 grams, there is also a threaded boss on the underside of the base for attaching to a tripod.
A precision item made to the highest quailty standard, it's in very good cosmetic condition and comes with its original leather case, which is also in sound condition with all stitching intact
In full working order including the automatic transit lock, not only is this a very collectable compass but also still practical for use today.

A small but impressive mid Victorian dial card pocket compass, set in a hinged mahogany block 41mm square with an attractive fleur de lis for North, and a clean paper dial divided into four quadrants of 90degrees around its circumference.
The dial card is signed 'NEGRETTI & ZAMBRA LONDON' in a circle around the centre pivot which has a gemstone bearing for reduced friction, and is held by a transit lock activated when the lid is closed.
Fastened with an attractive 7 shaped brass clasp, both crystal and dial are also in fine order.
In full working order, a real classic with a traditional design by a well respected maker, circa 1870.

A very elegant brass cased explorer’s style compass with a separate push fit lid made by Francis Barker & Son around 1880, as evidenced by the small FBS logo within the Trademark London triangle, and printed on the card dial just below the North cardinal point.
The stylish English cross bar needle pivots on a jewelled bearing above a traditional dial, denoting 32 cardinal and inter cardinal points, under a clean undamaged crystal.
Housed in a lacqured brass case which does have some lacquer loss on its underside as can be seen in the photos, it is free of any dents or deformities.
This is an antique compass of high quality, by the most renowned of all compass makers and comes in a leather carry case from the same period.
In full working order, including a transit lock activated when lid is in place, the dimensions are 70mm diameter and 18mm deep.

A small pocket compass, in superb condition which has a classic black &white Singers patent design on a Mother of Pearl dial, housed in a full hunter case.
Dating to circa 1880, this is a quality item made by Negretti & Zambra, and is signed 'NEGRETTI & ZAMBRA, LONDON' on the dial.
The clean dial pivots on a gemstone bearing and is set under a damage free bevelled crystal, encased within its nickel plated case which is in dent free condition, and retains all its nickel plating.
In good working order, with a strong hinge, this is quite a rare compass from one of the most renowned instrument makers of the 19th century, measuring 38mm diameter not including the bow.

A very attractive 19th century brass cased explorers compass with a push fit lid that unusually carries a very decorative personalised inscription reading ' I B Browne from J C C , DECR 25th 1895 '.
Clearly a special Christmas gift for someone, but I suspect the compass is actually earlier than the inscribed date, as this distinctive dial design spans several decades from before the mid 19th century.
The floating card dial pivots on a pink gemstone bearing and is housed under a bevelled edge glass crystal which is clean and free from any chips
Although unsigned this is clearly a quality pocket compass in very good condition, the brass case & lid retaining virtually all of their original lacquer and measures 80mm in diameter.
Measuring 80mm in diameter, it's in good working order and also has a a built in transit lock which is activated when the brass lid is in place.

This is a very elegant 19th century dial card pocket compass, dating to around 1875.
The distinctive black & white dial has 8 cardinal & intercardinal points, along with outer graduations in one degree increments, and is housed under a clear domed crystal.
Set in a black leather covered case with green velvet lining, and fastened with an ornate brass clasp, this is a fine antique compass from the mid Victorian period which is in very good cosmetic condition.
In good working order the compass measures 45mm diameter, and the outer case just under 55mm.

A distinctive late Victorian brass cased travellers pocket compass dating to around 1890.
The silvered compass dial has 8 cardinal points and an outer scale calibrated in 1degree increments in four 90 degree quadrants.
Direction is indicated by an English cross bar needle which pivots on a jewelled bearing under a clean undamaged crystal.
The brass case is in very good polished condition free of any dents, with a brass lid for protecting the glass crystal and engaging the built in transit lock.

In full working order, the dimensions are 70mm diameter and 18mm deep.

A stylish example of a 19th century brass cased pocket compass with an English cross bar needle on a jewelled pivot, and signed 'Lennie Opticians Edinburgh', on the lid. 
However, I believe this was the retailer who purchased the compass on a wholesale basis from one of the main compass makers of the time, which was very likely Francis Barker.
Dating to around 1890, its in good clean condition with a clear, and undamaged crystal over a frosted aluminium dial. The black finished brass case is also in good condition retaining virtually all its original finish, and is dent free.
Measuring 45mm diameter and 15mm thick, this is a sturdy yet attractive compass in full working order, including the automatic transit lock.