Field Equipment: Pocket Compasses

kronckew · 5th July 2009, 07:15 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, 07:37 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, 08:07 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, 09:34 PM

kronckew,

No fair! Your's tells the time as well

M ELEY · 7th July 2009, 08:23 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.

Atlantia · 7th July 2009, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M ELEY

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.

Thanks 'Mr Eley'

Any chance you could show some pics of your 'field gear'?
This for me is one of the most interesting parts of studying the history of warfare. We concentrate on the weapons themselves, so its easy to forget just how vital these little 'elements' were in warfare.
I'm always on the lookout for things like this.
Perhaps we could see if anyone has anything else along these lines?
Maps.
Signalling gear.
Medical/surgical equipment.
Optical devices.

Atlantia · 7th July 2009, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M ELEY

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.

Just wanted to add how nice it is when you manage to find a telescope of that age (my Dollond is around then as well).
Very nice items, hugely expensive in their day, and of absolutely vital importance especially to mariners.
I won't mind at all if you post pictures of it

fernando · 7th July 2009, 04:39 PM

Hi guys,
Little antique curious stuff is my middle name

.
May i introduce a less austere little device... just for the fun

.
An old wood handmade Compass + Sundial, of reduced dimensions (less than 3x2") and weight (aprox. 1 ounce).
I like the artist's naive presumption to tag the thing with REGISTERED MARK and made by the REAL AUTHOR named JOÃO DA SILVA.
Well, it might not be an accurate guiding tool, but certainly a rare object

.
Allright, don't hit me; i just couldn't resist showing this little thing.
Fernando

.

Atlantia · 7th July 2009, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fernando

Hi guys,
Little antique curious stuff is my middle name

.
May i introduce a less austere little device... just for the fun

.
An old wood handmade Compass + Sundial, of reduced dimensions (less than 3x2") and weight (aprox. 1 ounce).
I like the artist's naive presumption to tag the thing with REGISTERED MARK and made by the REAL AUTHOR named JOÃO DA SILVA.
Well, it might not be an accurate guiding tool, but certainly a rare object

.
Allright, don't hit me; i just couldn't resist showing this little thing.
Fernando

.

Hi Fernando,
What a Charming little instrument! I just love the decoration. Especially the 'Sundial' numbering inside the case!
The way it has been put together actually reminds me of victorian 'Ouija Boards'.
LOL, hope it IS pointing to north, and not a 'spirit compass'

Its lovely Fernando, any ideas of age?
Regards
Gene

fearn · 7th July 2009, 05:08 PM

Hi Fernando,

Amusing little instrument, because Silva (link) has been making compasses since 1928. In Sweden.

I'm not sure whether yours is older or younger than that.

That said, does your device actually work? Does the compass point north? If the sundail was supposed to be accurate, the angle between the string (gnomon) and the base should be roughly the latitude for which it was manufactured.

Best,

F

kronckew · 7th July 2009, 09:59 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

5th July 2009, 07:37 PM	#2
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,215	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.

7th July 2009, 04:39 PM	#8
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Hi guys, Little antique curious stuff is my middle name . May i introduce a less austere little device... just for the fun . An old wood handmade Compass + Sundial, of reduced dimensions (less than 3x2") and weight (aprox. 1 ounce). I like the artist's naive presumption to tag the thing with REGISTERED MARK and made by the REAL AUTHOR named JOÃO DA SILVA. Well, it might not be an accurate guiding tool, but certainly a rare object . Allright, don't hit me; i just couldn't resist showing this little thing. Fernando . Attached Images

7th July 2009, 05:08 PM	#10
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	Hi Fernando, Amusing little instrument, because Silva (link) has been making compasses since 1928. In Sweden. I'm not sure whether yours is older or younger than that. That said, does your device actually work? Does the compass point north? If the sundail was supposed to be accurate, the angle between the string (gnomon) and the base should be roughly the latitude for which it was manufactured. Best, F Last edited by fearn; 7th July 2009 at 08:11 PM.

5th July 2009, 08:07 PM	#3
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, 09:34 PM	#4
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, 08:23 AM	#5
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,141	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.