Tunbridgeware Compass by T Barton

We have two compasses on the site in Tunbridge ware. This one is profusely decorated, being lovely stick ware top and bottom. The geometric pattern to the top is replicated throughout, as we would expect. The base has a leather inlay with dotted border. Unscrewing the top we see that leather inlay repeated with the “T Barton, late Nye, Manufacturer, Mount Ephraim, and Parade, Tunbridge Wells” label applied within. Measuring 5.5 cms across and 2 cms high, this is a lovely piece in wonderful condition. Compasses are not very common in Tunbridge ware. The compass paper is marked with the main cardinal points and subsets, and to the outer side is the 0 to 360 degree scale. The pointer is not pierced and has N and S on the arrow. Dated approximately 1875. An unusual item which is included in the list within the Austen reference as a “compass case”. A scientific collectable. Compare with the other on the site, less profusely decorated and without a label.