Code BA22083001: Rare Francis Barker & Son Gimballed Compass for Keuffel & Esser, c. 1890
| This an extremely rare compass made by Francis Barker & Son for Keuffel & Esser in the late 1800s. An approximate manufacturing date would be 1890. The compass is housed in a hunter case made of brass. The compass itself is suspended by two gimbals, which allow using it where it is not possible to keep it steady at the horizontal. Gimbals are usually used with compasses on board of ships to compensate the rocking movement of the ship. The case is in excellent condition and free of dings or dents. It has a strong hinge and the front lid springs open when the push button under the loop is pressed. It does not travel beyond the recommended 90 degrees. It is clearly engraved with makers logo TRADE MARK LONDON and interlaced F. B. & S. (Francis Barker & Son). It is also marked MADE IN ENGLAND above the logo. Inside the lid it has the serial number 5. The inner compass must be pulled out to make use of the compass and gimbals. When the compass is pushed back inside the case, the transit lock is activated automatically and freezes the dial of the compass to avoid undue wear to the pivot when the compass is not in use. The dial is clearly signed by the retailer's name KEUFFEL & ESSER CO., NY. The gimbals allow the compass to swing smoothly and the compass is very accurate, finding North without any problem. The compass is attached to a leather strap in excellent condition. The compass has 52 mm in diameter excluding the pendant and the ring. This is considered as extremely rare and would make a great add to a serious collection. |
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