WWI British Military Compass

[lawrence_n]

Well, I came into possession of a Cruchon & Emons (London) officer's compass from the great war. On the face of the case it says "Verners Pattern" and there's the Roman number VII. On the back is the WD "crowsfoot" and it says "No.1916". What makes this something of a scarcity hereabouts is the fact that it's complete with it's brown leather case and shoulder or neck strap. The leather was dry so I've applied some mink oil to soften it and to prevent any further cracking, but there's nothing broken or missing. I think I got to the leather just in time. A few more years and it would have started breaking apart, methinks. The case is marked "Martins-Birm (small m underlined)- Lim(small d,underlined) so I assume it's Birmingham Limited, and dated 1916 like the compass. The felt liner is in excellent shape given that this is over 100 yrs. old. I'm more into Canadian militaria but this is a truly nice piece. There's only one flaw I've been able to find and that is the locking screw on the side of the compass took a hit at some point so the threaded screw is a little bent. Not that it affects function in any way, but there you have it. Any idea of what this rig would be worth?

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[Daan Kemp]

Just curious, what makes it an officer's compass?

[Wthenley]

I will hazard a guess. It is referred to as a "officers" compass due to who they were issued to. I see where one similar sold recently for 113.50 on the bay but yours is in much nicer condition and you have the case and lanyard where his did not. I would guess 250-300 value wise on yours based on my observations. I read they have a pretty large following and I would not be surprised, due to the nice condition and completeness of yours that someone might pay more. Im no expert on British field gear mind you.

[Daan Kemp]

Compasses were issued to whoever needed them I believe, such as engineers, artillery, etc. Not just officers. But this was WWI, just curious still.

[CINDERS]

Judging by the condition of the pouch and compass in general I seriously doubt this piece saw active service unless the owner was fastidious and no where near the conflagration going on. Nice piece though.

[lawrence_n]

Judging by the condition of the pouch and compass in general I seriously doubt this piece saw active service unless the owner was fastidious and no where near the conflagration going on. Nice piece though.

Family back story is that great grand dad was an officer. My brother and I were discussing that very issue regarding condition. Maybe an artillery officer? Given that it's dated 1916, would it not be unlikely that it was never actually issued? Granted, I have no idea how many were in service but with the number of men in action and compasses lost with their owners, it would seem odd that this would sit in stores for 2 years.

[browningautorifle]

it would seem odd that this would sit in stores for 2 years.

Quite possibly issued but it never went to war, then after four years went home with it's holder... Maybe ended up in the pot of a poker game among bayonets and helmets.