Just got my MkIII Compass back from Trademark London

[Peter Laidler]

Just stay tuned Terry. I didn't realise that there were so many compass collectors as it cropped up several months again and I side tracked it as '.....of too limited interest'!. Are you ready for this too DanL

[newbieDAN]

........ We've still got them here..................

Peter, can I ask where is "here"? (excuse my ignorance)

[Lithy]

Just stay tuned Terry. I didn't realise that there were so many compass collectors as it cropped up several months again and I side tracked it as '.....of too limited interest'!. Are you ready for this too DanL

And when we're finished with compasses, I'll drag out the kukri with D/i\D markings for the experts to apppraise.

[Son]

Here's a couple of bits out of the box. There's two types of bars here. The round disc mounted type has a rubber ring let into the back of it and locates about the recessed inner edge of the lid on the newer types. The other, just two plain bars is set up to be added over the older type lid with the reinforced inner edge. Both were riveted on and the plain bar type had to be removed to take the handle off the lid. (should have read up the emei for terminology- apologies, Peter) Looks like the plain bar type could have been fitted to any of the older compasses as required- There may have been a standing order to fit them to all that came in for repairs(?) I hate to speculate on something I know little about- but it could be logical...
The compass in the pics is my TG Co MkIII from 1941 (complete with bubble)

[Badger]

Just stay tuned Terry. I didn't realise that there were so many compass collectors as it cropped up several months again and I side tracked it as '.....of too limited interest'!. Are you ready for this too DanL

Well, I think I have three of them ....

I didn't realize they were that popular to collectors either.
Here's the one that we photographed for the MKL ...

1941 MkIII British WWII Military Prismatic Marching Compass

Maybe we need a compass, binocular and telescope forum ...

Regards.
Badger

[Terrylee]

Badger, I thought that this was a marching compass? British military issue and see what is written on the back.

[Claven2]

Right-O chaps, it's been what? Almost a week? Peter - where's your article? By now it should be published in a glossy magazine LOL. Just knockin' ya about mate - looking forward to your writeup when you get to it.

[Peter Laidler]

No wonder there's always a shortage of old prismatic compasses, they've all been previously 'liberated' and now owned by forumers!

[Badger]

Badger, I thought that this was a marching compass? British military issue and see what is written on the back.

Hmmm ...

I stand to be corrected, but I thought when I read about these in one of the books I have, they referred to it as that ...

Believe it or not, I actually was issued and used one of these back in the early 1960's and we used them for navigation while "marching" over terrain to objectives etc, although "marching" was the figurative term. More like "sneeking and peeking" ...

Regards,
Doug

[Claven2]

Posting these compasses for Bearhunter. This is what he wrote in his e-mail:

The older compass, came in a No4T chest, with some other kit. The fluid is evaporated but it still works fine. The angled bar on the cover, locks the internals, when the cover is closed. There is a broad arrow on the reverse side. There is no provision for a lanyard strap.

The modern compass, was aquired in Africa, in 1969. It will perform many tasks. It has an internal Sextant, level bubble for transit use, reflector, and of course compass. The mils dial is adjustable for magnetic deflection, via a slotted dial on the side. The strange thing is, there is no manufacturers stamp or any other provider stamp or mark anywhere on the device.

I would appreciate any comments as to value and uses and by whom.

My answers are that the newer compass looks like a M2 US Artillery Compass and the older of the two looks like a MkVIII fluidless prismatic marching compass, , but definitely British WW1 and definitely Radium illuminated.

the M2 is interesting in that they include a level and an inclinometer, but they are unfortunately lensatic and not prismatic.