Field Equipment: Pocket Compasses

Atlantia · 5th July 2009, 05:50 PM

A good compass can be an essential piece of equipment!
Anyone got anything like this?

fearn · 5th July 2009, 07:26 PM

well, YES, but mine are a lot more modern and made out of plastic.

Neat find--Congratulations! I always liked the old instruments.

BTW, Does it have a bronze blade concealed in the case, so we can call it an edged weapon?

kronckew · 5th July 2009, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fearn

... we can call it an edged weapon?

the main needle is steel and pointy enough to serve in extremis. these were originally much larger and such a deadly weapon that laws were passed that they could only be carried if sealed behind a glass barrier and had an effective blade length less than 3 inches. sadly, there are no surviving records of it's use in battle, and the only training manual found was eaten by my dog before it could be read or photographed for posterity. a sad loss to the history of these fine weapons. i think he ate it because the manual had an etching of a flying pig on it, the symbol of the 13th royal welsh compass regiment.

kronckew · 5th July 2009, 08:37 PM

actually my post above was a delaying tactic to get the photo of mine ready.

3" dia. dial, box is just under 6 in. sq.

set up on the box, gnomon elevated to corect 52 degree angle, needle lock disengaged, feet adjusted to level device.

folded up, needle lock engaged to press needle up into glass to prevent it flopping about.

note the antique cheap plastic bubble level i found in a local DIY chain.

i note that atlantia''s pocket model also has a needle locking device that is engaged when the lid is closed. this lifts the needle off the pin and prevents damage to the bearing during travel.

Atlantia · 5th July 2009, 09:07 PM

Hi Guys,
lol, I know its not a weapon, but I've been toying with the idea of posting it for ages. When you think about 'officers' campaign equipment, then certain things spring to mind, essential items or certainly very useful ones.
I posted my little 'army' Dollond Telescope some time ago as its a specific small type associated with officers in the field, but these little 'pocket' wood cased compasses seem to be rather unusual.
I admit to knowing almost nothing apart from what my eyes tell me about mine!
Its 2 1/4 inches square, mahogany cased, needle has a 'lock' lever which is engaged when the lid is closed.
No firm ideas on date or even where it was made, as its got no makers marks etc.
Hopefully others will have similar pieces.

Thanks all
Gene

Atlantia · 5th July 2009, 10:34 PM

kronckew,

No fair! Your's tells the time as well

M ELEY · 7th July 2009, 09:23 AM

Very nice specimens, gents. I've always wanted to pick up one of these for my "nautical collection", for although sextants were the tool of choice, compasses also served on many a merchant/privateer vessel. I like to see these related items in posts since they serve to support the study of military life. Just picked up an old maritime telescope myself recently, made by Spencer, Browning and Rust, ca. 1800. Thanks again for posting these.

kronckew · 7th July 2009, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlantia

kronckew,

No fair! Your's tells the time as well

but it can't fit in my pocket like yours

as a proper victorian military officer, i would of course have servants to carry it for me and set it all up in my tent along with my bed, dresser, writing table, wash stand, potty, etc. and while they were at it, set out my fresh dress uniform for dinner, clean and polish my other set of boots, sharpen my sabre, and generally tidy up.

they do still make smaller pocket versions of that one, one just right for each occasion. they of course are NOT reproductions, having been in continuous mfg. since pre-revolutionary times

stanley's of london sundial compasses

it's worth taking a look at their main site home as well, lots of nice new goldy shiney things and even some long sharp pointy things (sadly, repros only).

stanley's main site

Jim McDougall · 5th July 2009, 07:32 PM

Very nice piece Gene, and though I am not sure if this is specifically military or not, it is known that officers often carried such items in thier kit while on campaign or expeditions. It seems that these kinds of instruments, along with telescopes or binoculars have occasionally been the topic in a number of arms journals. One that comes to mind is that the journal or annual of the National Army Museum in London. They often published either new additions or brief articles on these types of gear, I believe one was on field chairs, of the type of folding chairs seen in period photos of officers in camp.

These things were essential in those times pre-GPS ! In travelling cross country in this rig, I typically honestly have no idea where I am half the time until the wife tells me to turn. When by myself in the jeep its tough, remember, asking for directions is against the 'guy code'

I remember going someplace with a buddy once and following (I thought) the directions scribbled on a bit of paper...we finally realized we were going in circles when we passed the same building about 5 times!!

Thanks Gene for sharing this beauty, most interesting, and I'd like to see if other associated examples, especially with known military use, are out there.

All the best,
Jim

Fearn, I guess we crossed posts.....I burst out laughing with the concealed blade note!!!

pardon the pun, but you truly are sharp!!! LOL

Best,
Jim

5th July 2009, 05:50 PM	#1
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Field Equipment: Pocket Compasses A good compass can be an essential piece of equipment! Anyone got anything like this?

5th July 2009, 08:37 PM	#4
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,184	actually my post above was a delaying tactic to get the photo of mine ready. 3" dia. dial, box is just under 6 in. sq. set up on the box, gnomon elevated to corect 52 degree angle, needle lock disengaged, feet adjusted to level device. folded up, needle lock engaged to press needle up into glass to prevent it flopping about. note the antique cheap plastic bubble level i found in a local DIY chain. i note that atlantia''s pocket model also has a needle locking device that is engaged when the lid is closed. this lifts the needle off the pin and prevents damage to the bearing during travel. Last edited by kronckew; 5th July 2009 at 09:04 PM.

5th July 2009, 07:26 PM	#2
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	well, YES, but mine are a lot more modern and made out of plastic. Neat find--Congratulations! I always liked the old instruments. BTW, Does it have a bronze blade concealed in the case, so we can call it an edged weapon?

5th July 2009, 09:07 PM	#5
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Hi Guys, lol, I know its not a weapon, but I've been toying with the idea of posting it for ages. When you think about 'officers' campaign equipment, then certain things spring to mind, essential items or certainly very useful ones. I posted my little 'army' Dollond Telescope some time ago as its a specific small type associated with officers in the field, but these little 'pocket' wood cased compasses seem to be rather unusual. I admit to knowing almost nothing apart from what my eyes tell me about mine! Its 2 1/4 inches square, mahogany cased, needle has a 'lock' lever which is engaged when the lid is closed. No firm ideas on date or even where it was made, as its got no makers marks etc. Hopefully others will have similar pieces. Thanks all Gene

5th July 2009, 10:34 PM	#6
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	kronckew, No fair! Your's tells the time as well

7th July 2009, 09:23 AM	#7
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,097	Very nice specimens, gents. I've always wanted to pick up one of these for my "nautical collection", for although sextants were the tool of choice, compasses also served on many a merchant/privateer vessel. I like to see these related items in posts since they serve to support the study of military life. Just picked up an old maritime telescope myself recently, made by Spencer, Browning and Rust, ca. 1800. Thanks again for posting these.

5th July 2009, 07:32 PM	#9
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,946	Very nice piece Gene, and though I am not sure if this is specifically military or not, it is known that officers often carried such items in thier kit while on campaign or expeditions. It seems that these kinds of instruments, along with telescopes or binoculars have occasionally been the topic in a number of arms journals. One that comes to mind is that the journal or annual of the National Army Museum in London. They often published either new additions or brief articles on these types of gear, I believe one was on field chairs, of the type of folding chairs seen in period photos of officers in camp. These things were essential in those times pre-GPS ! In travelling cross country in this rig, I typically honestly have no idea where I am half the time until the wife tells me to turn. When by myself in the jeep its tough, remember, asking for directions is against the 'guy code' I remember going someplace with a buddy once and following (I thought) the directions scribbled on a bit of paper...we finally realized we were going in circles when we passed the same building about 5 times!! Thanks Gene for sharing this beauty, most interesting, and I'd like to see if other associated examples, especially with known military use, are out there. All the best, Jim Fearn, I guess we crossed posts.....I burst out laughing with the concealed blade note!!! pardon the pun, but you truly are sharp!!! LOL Best, Jim