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. The bowl and gimbals are of brass construction and the compass is housed in its original dovetailed mahogany box . In good condition, the English cross bar needle pivots on a gemstone bearing for reduced friction, above an aluminium dial divided into four 90 degree quadrants, protected by a clean glass crystal.

A precision item made to the highest quailty standard, it's in very good condition and comes with its original case which is also in good sound condition. 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. Made by the celebrated Manchester optician John Benjamin Dancer, son of Josiah Dancer whose business he inherited in 1835, Dancer was a scientific instrument maker who lived from 1812 to 1887 and was renowned for his many contributions to the field of optics, barometers and microscopy. The fitted lid and underside is inscribed with an issue number of '365' and doubles as a stand when attached to the base. By 1955 Ross Ensign had moved production from Walthamstow to Ross's Clapham Common factory, where they continued to produce cameras along with lenses and binoculars.A precision item made to the highest quailty standard, it's in very good condition and comes with its original leather case which is also in excellent condition. It goes without saying that this is a genuine Stanley instrument, and not one of the many reproductions which regrettably are still catching out many unsuspecting buyers.

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. Although the lid has a minor dent ( see photos) it fits the compass frame securely, protecting the glass when not in use.The maker is a Louis Paschel Casella who worked in Hatton Garden from 1844 and is a very collectable name, particularly as the firm is still operating today, albeit on a more hi-tech basis. After duty in South Africa, he was sent in 1904 as the War Office representative with the Russian army in Manchuria traveling extensively across Russia. His final visit before the October Revolution came in October 1916, when he had an audience with Tsar Nikolai II Alexandrovich Romanov at his headquarters in Mogilev.

You really can't get a more accurate compass, and this is perfect for anyone involved in outdoor pursuits who needs a precision compass. 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. Measuring just under 5¼ " (132mm) square, this is a near 200 year old antique compass signed by a renowned maker in his early career. Price 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. Listed Exhibitor - British Industries Fair. Manufacturers of Cinematograph Projectors, Photographic Lenses, Lenses for Aeronautical Cameras, Photographic Cameras, Prism Field Glasses, Telescopes, Sporting, Military and Naval. (Stand No. G.61d) [1]

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.