1915 Compass

[lawrence_n]

I've got a line on a compass with it's brown leather case dated 1915 and marked with the WD broad arrow. All I have is these 2 pics to go on, but any idea of fair market value? If I choose to make an offer I don't want to diddle the seller but at the same time, I don't want to take a hit I can't afford.

[browningautorifle]

Easiest to show you this... https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1430...8aApv7EALw_wcB

I'd probably start at $100Cdn and meet him in the middle.

[lawrence_n]

Easiest to show you this... https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1430...8aApv7EALw_wcB

I'd probably start at $100Cdn and meet him in the middle.

Thank you Jim. I trust you and yours are well. Thanks for the link, but I don't think the compass shown in the link was military issue. There's no crows foot indicating WD procurement. Also, the case with the one I'm considering is the strap down flip top with the long shoulder strap. If you check out the link you sent me to, you'll note the prices of the actual military issue compasses in the header of the page.

[Flying10uk]

I don't want to diddle the seller

I wouldn't worry too much about that as the seller should do their homework and state clearly how much they want for it if they wish to sell it. I do so hate it when people put "Open To Offers" or similar when they have something for sale, giving no clue as to how much the really want for the item.

My gut reaction, when I saw the OP, would be to offer £100 and see what the seller comes back with, hopefully a figure.

It may be that the seller has a fantastical figure in mind and believes that they may stand more chance of achieving it by "breaking the news" to "potential punters" in a "slow and roundabout way"?

[browningautorifle]

Yes, all is well here.

actual military issue

This one is. I don't know if these guys are negotiable and I'm thinking your example is local and just a "Guy you know"? I still wouldn't go the moon. Maybe half again if you HAVE to? But it's all in how much you need this one... https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1417...ameshopitems-4

I don't think the compass shown in the link was military issue.

True...officers often purchased their own though.

[Aragorn243]

eBay is always a better place to look. You can see asking prices and actual sold prices there. British military compasses look to be selling in the $75-$125 range complete with case. Some asking prices are higher but no bites on those.

[browningautorifle]

British military compasses look to be selling in the $75-$125 range complete with case. Some asking prices are higher but no bites on those.

Put it about where I was suggesting, I'd go a $100CDN and maybe a bit more. Sugar plum deals don't interest me. Guys that suggest pie in the sky either...

[Flying10uk]

The other thing to consider is that there are a lot of fakes/repros about of this style of compass. I'm not saying that the one in the OP is a fake but it's something to bear in mind.

[lawrence_n]

To all of you, thank you for your input. Much to think about. Should I acquire it at a decent price I'll revisit this thread, and update with pics and more info. .