A good quality antique - believed late 19th Century - brass miner's/surveying dial, the silvered compass signed "John Davis & Son, Derby Ltd", and the original fitted mahogany case bearing a 1932 service label, similarly marked. 

Davis & Son was established in 1779 by Gabriel Davis, a maker of fine optical and survey instruments. His nephew John initially served as an apprentice to Jacob Abraham - also known for his fine quality optical instruments - before joining the family business in the early 1800s. By the mid 1830s he had set up his own premises in Derby, exploiting the thriving mining industry of the time by specialising a great variety of mining equipment including miner's lamps, anemometers, theodolites and survey instruments. His company also became a pioneer in the use of electricity in mines. John Davis died in 1873, though the company continued be run under his name.

This particular instrument survives in excellent, unrestored condition with a well-preserved dial and original fitted mahogany case.  It measures 26cm wide and has a 125mm (5") dial. It comes complete with brass cover and service label. The separate railway-related tag, still with the Davis & Son name but with a later serial number is something of a mystery, but was with the instrument at the time of my acquisition.

Condition: In original/used/ex-service condition with good patina, age-related wear, tarnishing etc. The dial is in good condition. The glass has a few spots to the inside but is otherwise good. Both siting bars show wear, slightly misformed with sighting wires either broken or missing. Needle locking mechanism operates but does not hold fast. The inclination dial to the side has accumulated dirt from years of use. Glass lacking bevel or spring clip - though it's unclear if one was ever fitted. Fitted mahogany case in good condition with minor scratches and a water mark to the top. Original 1932 label to the inside. Separate service label – Railway related - dated 1935 with taped repair.