An early Victorian pocket compass set in a mahogany case, with an attractive paper sunburst dial, divided into four 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, clearly 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 predominantly 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 77mm square x 19mm deep, and the lid is fastened with two elegant 7 shaped brass clasps.