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#1 |
Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: The Sharp end
Posts: 2,928
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A good compass can be an essential piece of equipment!
Anyone got anything like this? ![]() ![]() |
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#2 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,247
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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? ![]() |
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#3 | |
Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Room 101, Glos. UK
Posts: 4,167
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#4 |
Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Room 101, Glos. UK
Posts: 4,167
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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 08:04 PM. |
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#5 |
Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: The Sharp end
Posts: 2,928
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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 |
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#6 |
Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: The Sharp end
Posts: 2,928
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kronckew,
No fair! Your's tells the time as well ![]() |
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#7 |
Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NC, U.S.A.
Posts: 2,087
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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.
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#8 | |
Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Room 101, Glos. UK
Posts: 4,167
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![]() 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 Last edited by kronckew; 7th July 2009 at 10:17 AM. |
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#9 |
Arms Historian
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Route 66
Posts: 9,896
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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' ![]() ![]() 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!!! ![]() Best, Jim |
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