08-019. English, 4th quarter 19th century, unsigned, but described in Stanley's "Mathematical Drawing and Measuring Instruments" as follows: "Napier Compasses are, perhaps, the best and most popular kind of pocket compass, their especial merit being their compact form... The portability of the Napier compasses is obtained by the sides being hollowed out from the inside, so as to admit the points folding into them... The knuckle joints, which allow the points to fold in, also act as the knee joints of double-jointed compasses, and permit the points to be kept erect when in use. The parts which fold from the knuckle joints, technically called straps, have swivel joints, the one for ink and plain point; the other for pencil and plain point. Either of these reversible points will turn outwards, so that the compasses may be used as dividers, pencil, or ink compasses." This very small Napier-pattern pocket compass is in very good overall condition, with some easily removable oxidation on the points, in its original plush lined leather covered case.
