1918s Barke's Magnetic Nautical Pocket Compass Antique Marine Navigation Device

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1918s Barke's Magnetic Nautical Pocket Compass Antique Marine Navigation Device

About the Item

Pocket liquid bearing compass signed F. Barker’s Patent 1918, used by British army officers during the first world war. On the back of the compass it reads: The Soltima Inst. Co 1918 n. 8784 Barker’s Patents. It is a small vintage compass typically used in recreational sailing, therefore on boats less subject to magnetic deviation. It can also be held in the hand and therefore away from the magnetic fields of the boat. It is equipped with a sighting system and a goniometric compass card in order to make it possible to measure the angle between the line of sight and the north indicated by the magnetic needle. Very good condition, fully functional, complete with original leather case. Measurements diameter 5,3 cm – 2.1 inches, height 3 cm – 1.25 inches. Shipping is insured by Lloyd's London; our gift box is free. F. Barker & Son was a British company founded in London in 1848 by Francis Barker (1820 1875) who began as an apprentice becoming a skilled precision mechanic acquiring a great reputation as a talented and creative craftsman arriving to buy the company of his former employer of work. This brand became famous for supplying precision instruments to Allied forces in Europe during both World War I and World War II. The Greeks and the Romans didn't know the possibility to use magnetic fields for orient, but this possibility probably was known by the Chinese people: about in 2600 B.C. Hoang-Ti the emperor won Tchi-Yeou the prince using a magic cart, the See-Nan (cart indicating the South), finding the way of escape of the enemy that has been covered by smoke: on this cart there was a rotating human shaped figure with an arm stretched indicating the South (obviously indicating the North too, but the South was the most important cardinal point for the Chinese people). The Chinese people used magnetic fields also for spectacles: throwing magnetized arrows like dice, they indicated south like a magic, amazing the public.

Dimensions:
Height: 1.25 in (3.18 cm)Diameter: 2.1 in (5.34 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Brass
Period:
1910-1919
Date of Manufacture:
1918
Condition:
Seller Location:
Milan, IT
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU1020234486812