An Officer's pocket compass by F. Barker & Sons, London, c.1940.
F. Barker & Sons (1820 - Dec. 15, 1875) is a British company founded by Francis Barker in London in 1846. Two years later, in 1848, he set up a second company, Groves and Barker - Mariners' Compass and Sundial Makers with his friend and former co-apprentice Richard Groves and they traded from 16 Market Street, Clerkenwell, London. Richard died in 1864 and about one year after his death Groves & Barker was absorbed into the thriving F. Barker & Son. F. Barker & Son also took over and incorporated the company J & G Simms (where he and Richard Groves had learned their trade) in 1855 once both the brothers had died.
The compass sits in a nickel case which shows some wear. The sprung lid operates perfectly and springs open as it should when the button to the top of the compass is pressed. The hinge moves freely without issue.
The glass and dial remain in their original condition. All F. Barker & Sons' hand painted elements (almost certainly Balmain’s Luminous Paint, patented in 1877) to the dial and glass are present and clear.
The compass is in full working order and points North precisely.
Dimensions
Diameter: 4.5cm
Weight: 44 grams
Dimensions
Diameter: 4.5cm
Weight: 51 grams