A rare Francis Barker 'Shallow Hunter’ brass cased compass, manufactured c.1890 to 1905. Although it does not have the distinctive 'TML' Barker trademark, the design was registered by Barker and was exclusive to that firm. Most of these compasses were supplied by Barker unsigned to the retail trade. The design was known as a 'Shallow Hunter' because of the exceptionally slim case, which is only 8mm thick. It has a distinctive milled crown, English bar needle, and jewelled pivot. At only 38mm diameter this is an unusually small version of the shallow hunter: most of these compasses were made in the larger 50mm size.
Further information on this type of compass can be found on p.182 of Paul Crespel's excellent book, Trade Mark London, at trademarklondon.com.
Condition:
The compass is in good condition and finds North very well. The push button crown opens the case and it shuts just as it should. The original glass is in very good condition. The aluminium compass card is in very good condition. The case is in good condition, with some of the original gunmetal coloured oxidised finish present inside the lid. The exterior of the case has some minor dings and a few small marks.
Dimensions: 38mm diameter (50mm inc. crown & loop), 8mm depth
