MARCHING COMPASSES (cont'd)

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- S -

SCHLACHT

PROFILE: Fernando SCHLACHT (who lived via Farneli, 10 in Milano, Italy) filed in 1938 and 1940 two patents on the base of which this compass was built. This compass also resembles WINTERER's compass design (SURVEY compasses).






(Click on pictures for enlarged views)

Pictures Lisa Chappa
Figures 1-0: In the patent, these signs are described as being meant for aircraft (segni per le segnalasioni agli aerei), i.e. to write them on the ground with stones so that the pilots can read them from the air. Some symbols  are identical with roman figures (ex.: 4 = IV, 5 = V).
Markings: Brevettato (patented in Italian) and no. 365749 & 383624
(Copies can be ordered)



Rear face: Morse alphabet, special version with accented letters plus `N and CH.

Technical Data
- Dimensions: 106 x 50 mm
- Divisions: 6400 MILS, counterclockwise, cardinal points in English
- Rifle-type sight: double, tilts to and fro
- Transit lock: actuated by a lever when closing the lid
- Red and black push-button: function unknown.

SECRETAN

PROFILE - Former French company (for more information, click HERE).
This company produced together with several others the famous Modèle 1922 compass.
See also Survey and Artillery compasses.



Radium paint marking of magnetic North


Technical Data
- See Modèle 1922
- Divisions: 400 grades
- S/N: 1644
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SHORT & MASON

PROFILE - Former British manufacturer (for more information click HERE).
See also Pocket compasses
S & M built together with the U.S. company Taylor (acronym TYCOS) Verner's pattern compasses.


(Picture G. Perry)
Marching compass Verner's pattern Mk VII with manual transit lock.
Compare with the French Ltd (F-L) compass Verner's pattern Mk VIII with automatic transit lock.

A facsimile of the original User Instructions can be ordered. (Click HERE to see a photograph of page one).
Technical Data
- Diameter: 54 mm
- Depth: 21 mm
- Weight: 150 gr
- Card material: aluminum
- Date: 1915

Another famous model was THE MAGNAPOLE of which there seemed to have existed several versions, with fixed and with rotable crystal (without and with lubber line) or with big thumb loop. Compare the case with the REFLECTOR. The patent (no. 22,598) was filed in 1914 by Francis Edward Collinson, Manufacturer and Short & Mason Ltd, both of Aneroid Works, Mac- Donald Road, Walthamstow, London N.E.
The model designation MAGNAPOLE was also used for a pocket compass in a cooperation with the US manufacturer TAYLOR.



Concerning the black star-shaped line in the lid, see Major LEGH's compass.
THE MAGNAPOLE



This version is the very first draft and a provisional design (Patent applied for)
In the center: SHORT & MASON Ltd
MAKERS, LONDON.
Technical Data
- Diameter: 50 mm
- Depth: 20 mm
- Weight: 140 gr
- Pouch: Leather
- Divisions on compass card and inside the lid (marching course setting) : 360 deg., clockwise



The patents' figures (click for detailed view)

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SILVA

PROFILE - Swedish company (for more information click HERE).
Note concerning the Divisions: Sweden was the only country worldwide to utilise compasses with a 6300 mils. divisions on military compasses.
SILVA bought SISTECO in 1990 and still produces their model Mark IV.
See also the section Wrist and pin-on compasses.
Picture at right: the different models (MAP & COMPASS, issue 1955)




Model 1933 
Compare with the NIFE marching compass

Technical Data
- Dim.: 70 x 68 x 20mm
- Weight: 215 gr
- Divisions: 6400 mils, counter clockwise, cardinals in Danish or Norwegian language (V-O)
- Serial No.: 2094


Model 1939

Technical Data
- Dim.: 100 x 64 x 20mm
- Weight: 130 gr
- Divisions: 6300 mils, clockwise plus 360 deg. 
- Parallel lines on bezel (...?)
- Serial no.: 20089

Model 1939 cont'd - Reverse side and detail view of divisions (North mark at 63 Mils):

 

- Marking under the capsule: 8/53 (manufacturing month/year?)
- dial on ground plate rear face,
- cardinals in Swedish language (V-Ö)
Model "Typ 6 - 400" - Technical Data
Very simple compass for orienteering. Original company name
"A.B. BRÖDERNA KJELLSTRÖM" (Kjellström Bros., Inc.)
- Dimensions: rulers: 90 mm and 35 mm, compass dia. 50 mm
- Remnants of back paint on body
- Division (rear side): 400 grades
- Made: probably in the 1930's

   


Model 4-54 (British troops)

Technical Data
- Self luminescent markings (Tritium paint)
- Dimensions: 124 x 60 x 10mm
- Divisions: 6400 mils, clockwise
- NATO Stock Number (NSN):
W 10/6605-99-529-3731
- Three Romer scales, one for the British military maps (1:63360),1 inch = 1 mile.
 
Picture above, right:
The US Girl Scouts' logo
Model Pathfinder of the US Girls Scouts (GS, see also Scoutism)

Technical Data
- Dimensions: 76 x 50 x 14mm
- Divisions: 360 deg. clockwise
SILVA founder Björn Kjellström's book Be an Expert with Map and Compass (1955) containing a practising compass* and a map of Lake George's surroundings in the Adirondack park (NY) with the camp on the shore.
* see also LENSATIC and map & compass



(Click on the picture for a view of the practising compass and the map)

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SINCLAIR

PROFILE - James A. SINCLAIR & Co. Ltd (pic. Graces Guide) was a British manufacturer of photographical equipment (model Tropical Una) and a well-known photographer and the author of a manual. He was a retailer for scientific instruments (signed SINCLAIR HAYMARKET LONDON). He died 1940.

This particular instrument was probably produced by F. Barker & Son especially for Sinclair. It was obviously a transitional design between the Verner's pattern and the successful Mark III model. It featured the additional rotating window with luminous bearing line in the lid and the transparent card rim described in Barker's 1910 patent no. 29677 (s. also Steward below). However, its large size and weight were maybe a reason why it was no competitor.
S. also pocket compasses.




(Click on the pictures for enlarged views)


(Picture courtesy N. Godridge)
Technical Data
- Dimensions (dia.): 3" / 75 mm
- Weight: 450 gr
- Card: with transparent rim (Barker's patent)
- Divisions: 360°
- Markings on reverse: see pic. at left.

Compare with F. BARKER's models.

SINGER

Inventor of a famous compass card type (read more details HERE).
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SIRS Navigation Ltd

PROFILE - British compass manufacturer (www.sirs.co.uk).
The G150 marching compass (see Stanley below) produced by SIRS bears a label like the one displayed at right.

SISTECO

PROFILE - Sisteco Ltd was a Finnish manufacturer of precision instruments. It was bought by SILVA in 1990.
SISTECO built among other instruments this M-71-type military marching compass called MARK IV (compare with Barker and Glauser) and a nautical bearing compass called SIGHT MASTER. SILVA still produces the MARK IV.



The dial

(Click on the pictures for enlarged views)
Technical Data
- Dimensions (dia. x height): 60 x 34 mm
- Weight: 200 gr
- Card: mother of pearl
- Divisions: 60oo mills (Finland used the soviet system)
- Illumination: tritium pads (under the prism and in sighting direction in the chapter ring)
- Case: polycarbonate
- Manufacturer's signature under the prism (pic. top right)
- Pouch: synthetic leather, military green-grey
(Click on link for picture)

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SPERRY

PROFILE - Elmer Ambrose Sperry (October 12, 1860 – June 16, 1930, see Wikipedia) was an inventor and entrepreneur, most famous as co-inventor of the gyrocompass. He produced among other instruments the marching compasses designed and patented by Creagh-Osborne.

ŠP

PROFILE - (Full name still unknown) Former Czechoslovakian manufacturer who produced in the 1930's-40's a Bézard-type compass. The same one was also produced by MEOPTA (who probably took over ŠP). Apparently, the only difference lies in the arrow on the lid which is embosssed on the MEOPTA-signed model.

The manufacturer's logo: the letters  ŠP embossed on the lid

The marching direction arrows:

Click on image above right for enlarged view of dial
Technical Data
- Graduation : 360 degrees, clockwise
- Ruler: 50 mm
- Weight: 70 g
- The mirror is held at a 45 degrees angle by means of a a blade spring mechanism.
- The luminous arrow on both sides of the lid is only a decal.
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STANLEY (LONDON)

PROFILE - Former British company (more information HERE)
The compass type G150 was designed in the early 1970's and produced until the late 1990's. As per 1999, only a few batches were made to special order by SIRS Ltd. (see article above). The Stanley name has been discarded and the compass is now the SIRS G150.

The Stanley G150 Marching Compass is very famous. It was an iconic compass as it was used by British troops during the Falklands Conflict (1982) and the first Gulf War (Desert Storm, 1990-91). It has an important place in the history of British military compasses.


Model G150

(Click on pictures for enlarged views)


Model G150

Technical Data

- Dimensions: (Length clsd) 88  x 58 (dia.) x 35 (height) mm
- Weight: < 250 g
- Card: Mother-of-pearl
- Divisions: 6400 MILS
- Tritium cells
- Markings on reverse: S/N, mfr, NSN.
(more details HERE)

Compare with F. BARKER's models. 


Picture www.trademarkondon.com -
(Click on picture for enlarged views)
This compass type was manufactured for only one month in 1978 then discontinued. It’s roughly the same size as the G150, just weighs less, and has a different design. They were unpopular because it was hard to see well through the prism. Stanley stopped making them very quickly and continued with the G150.

Model  L1A1

Technical Data
- Dimensions:
. Max. length (excluding thumb ring): 88mm
. Max width: 62mm
. Max height: 38mm
- Weight:  approx. 200g
- Material: brass case, aluminum clamp ring, mother of pearl dial, plastic pivot support inside brass bowl.
- Calibration: 6400 MILS
- NSN:  6605-99-531-2510

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STEIN, von

PROFILE -
Unfortunately, no data concerning this company are available - not even its country of origin (Germany, Austria or Switzerland?).
Your help is needed. Any documentation, user's guide or flyer is valuable.


The only known product is this astonishing model: a small aluminium pocket compass attached to a big bakelite case.


Technical Data
- Compass diameter: 35 mm
- Case dimensions: 80 x 80 x 21 mm
- Weight: 95 g
- Ruler: 70 mm
- Divisions: 6400 mils, counterclockwise in the compass and on the course setting platte.
- Marking on cover: "v. Stein"
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STEWARD

PROFILE -  J. H. Steward Ltd was a British manufacturer (more information HERE). See also Wrist, Pocket, Survey and Nautical compasses

Table below:
- 1st row: Instrument called "VERNER COMPASS" Mark III wich was not yet a prismatic built in 1887 (go to Terminology/Mark for the chronology of the designations). Compare with the earlier model displayed in the section Pocket compasses.

- 2nd row: Special version of a Verner's pattern Mk VII for missions by night (WWI). The compass card's central part features a design that Barker tried to register under the name Royal Geographical Society (Sept. 5, 1903). This was rejected twice* and Barker eventually only used the abbreviation R.G.S. without further explanation in their catalogs for the design no. 416645 between 1906 and 1926 (other examples: see BARKER).
The Barker Patent no. 29677 (Dec. 21st, 1910) indicated on the rear side refers to the transparent card's rim (see also MORDAN) and the additional rotating window with luminous bearing line. The figures could be read through the prism in the dark thanks to a large Radium-paint dot located exactly under the prism. This variation has a brass bezel instead of the usual glass index ring, and has a double-glazed lid window, the inner glass etched with the ususal vertical sighting line, and the outer glass bearing a Radium paint line that can be rotated through 90°.
* Source: www.trademarklondon.com.

- 3rd row: Standard WWII Mark III version (see Barker), Service pattern and Singer's pattern.



Verner Compass Mk III



Pictures courtesy Bob Thacker
Click on images for enlarged views

Technical data
- Dimensions:
- Manufactured 1897





(Click on pictures for enlarged views)


Technical data
- Dimensions
. diameter: 2 3/32" (53 mm)
. height: 7/8" (23 mm)
- Weight: 150 gr
- Serial no.: 11
- Compass card: aluminum and mica
- Markings on reverse: A.H.S.
- Pouch with belt loop


Model Cbynite SINGER's pattern (1910s) with radium compound


(Picture courtesy Nick Godridge)
See also Taylor's pocket compass Ceebynite

Technical data
- MK III: see T.G. Co Ltd  below
- Service pattern: see Yeates below

Prismatic Service Pattern
(1910s)

(Click on the image for an enlarged view of the dial - Pic. N. Godridge)


Mark III
prismatic liquid dampened
with Pouch (1950)


Instrument donated by Arbert ZUUR
(www.heaterso.com)

STOCKER & YALE (SandY)

PROFILE - U.S. manufacturer who produced like many others the lensatic compass type M-1950.
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"S" - C. STOCKERT & Sohn

PROFILE - German company (for more information click HERE).

In the 1930's-40's, there were four different models: Marsch- / Touristen-compass, Pfadfinder, Jugend and one without name. The model Kommit was produced after WWII.
The TOURISTEN-KOMPASS differs from the MARSCH-KOMPASS in one point: the lid's case and left side is identical to the compass case and features a second half of the ruler (total 10 cm) on an oblique face. Both compasses feature on their right hand side a barely visible 60 mm long ruler with raised divisions and figures.
The compass dial was at that time white as usual (see the BUSCH JUNGENDIENST COMPASS) with black divisions and cardinal points. Later, this design changed (white divisions and letters on black ground) since this is easier to render these markings luminous with bright paint.



Model "Pfadfinder" (boy scout)



Rear side of the Pfadfinder compass. It was slightly different from BUSCH's "Jungendienst-Kompass": it featured a thumb loop which opened the lid when rotated upwards (patent no. 476998).
.

C. Stockert's logo was the initial letter (S) in a long hexagone.

Technical Data
- Case: bakelite
- Lid: brass
- Ring: nickel
- Dimensions: 60 x 55 x 18 mm
- Weight: 72 g
Two versions of the Marsch-Kompass are known: the early one with white face (see next row) and the later one with black face.

The Marschkompass was the official compass of the youth organisations (Hitler-Jugend etc.)
Click HERE for a picture of a "Pimpf" (military Pathfinder) taking a bearing with a MKo.

Below: Model "Touristen-Kompass"
(see former definition of Tourist in MISCELLANEOUS/Terminology)



Later model with enamelled zinc cover plate and black dial.
Front view of the Marsch-Kompass



Below: View of the Marschkompass first version (see next row)



The swivelling holding lever which equipped all compasses.

Patent (1938) - click on picture for pdf view.


Technical Data
- Dimensions: 60 x 55 x 20 mm
- Case: Bakelite
- Cover plate: aluminum or zinc, enamelled
- Weight: 60 g (Marsch-Kompass)
and 78 g (Touristen-Kompass)
The early version of the "Marschkompass" featured a red needle and a brass bezel (later replaced by plastic). The mirror had no sighting slot and the case no swivel lever.
 


Detail view of the scale and the needle



(Click on images for enlarged views)
The Magnetic North reference was a tiny pin attached to the side wall on the early version but a protruding sharp edge of the scale on the later one.

 
Upper side of the "Marsch-Kompass"


Upper side of the "Touristen-Kompass"

User instruction for the three models (Pfadfinder-, Marsch- and Touristen- Kompass)


Model "Marschkompass Jugend"
(Youth Marching compass)
Early definition (white scale, divisions counterclockwise)

There were four different models (see prices above): with or w/o mirror, with normal or radium paint markings (pic. below r.).

 

Late definition (black scale, divisions clockwise). Simple model without mirror. The magnetic needle can be locked by means of a small brown bakelite lever.



Box of the Jugend-Kompass: The text said on the old one (click to see it) that marching was more pleasant with a compass. After WWII, this word was replaced by hiking (Wandern).

Technical Data
- Dimensions: 50 x 50 x 13 mm
- Case: Bakelite
- Cover plate: Aluminum
- Weight: 24 gr
This model w/o name could be the last model built before the end of WWII.


The case's shape, the surface consisting of tiny diamond-shaped losanges, the shape of the recess and the arrow in the lid are unique.



Technical data
Dry compass with holding lever
- Dimensions: ... x ... x ... mm
- Divisions: 6400 mils, counter-clockwise
- Material: Bakelite
- Markings: only the maker's S initial letter and the abbr. DRP, both on the underside
- Colour: black, incl. the holding lever
- Price: 24 (probably Reichsmark)
Post WWII version of the KOMMIT model
(= komm' mit = "join in!")

 
This lid shape is identical to a similar instrument made by PASTO

Technical Data
Dry compass with holding lever

- Dimensions: 80 x 58 x 18 mm
- Case: Bakelite
- Lid: metallic, black paint
- Weight: 65 g
- Rulers: 60 mm and 2 in.
- Divisions: 360 deg. clockwise in black, 6400 mils, counterclockwise,
- Cardinal points: red.

The KOMMIT and PFADFINDER models in a modern fluid dampened version
Technical Data
Modern fluid version of the boy scout compass. Automatic opening of the lid by turning the loop, holding lever

- Dimensions : 80 x 58 x 18 mm
- Case: Bakelite
- Mirror: metallic
- Weight: 65 g
- Rulers: 60 mm and 2 inches
- Graduations : 6400 mils clockwise
- Probably early 1970's

This modern Marschkompass model in grey plastic existed also with a fluid damping capsule like the KOMMIT model above, most probably fruit of a co-operation with WILKIE 
(click on link to view a picture sent by a visitor)
The abbreviations D.R.P. and D.B.G.M. on the obverse (see MISCELLANEOUS/Abbr.), indicate a probable production date in the late 50's or early 60's.

Technical Data
- Dimensions: 70 x 60 x 22 mm
- Casing: Plastic
- Mirror: Metallic, enamel rear side
- Weight: 77 g
- Rulers: 50 mm and 2 in.
- Divisions: 6400 mils, clockwise


TYPИCT-2 (TOURIST-2 )
A civilian version (360°) in Russian was also produced probably under licence in the USSR in the 1950's. It was called TOURIST-2. The company's name is unknown. Its logo was a losange in which the letter П (P) was placed inside the the letter Э (E). The price (3 roubles) was also indicated in the bakelite casing. A modern version was produced in 1980 on the occasion of the Olympic Games in Moscow adorned with the Games' logo.



 

Rear face with logo (detailed view at r.)
and price (bottom)
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SUPERIOR MAGNETO Corp.

PROFILE - Former US manufacturer (L.I. city, New York) - For more information click HERE (momentarily no data available).
Lensatic compass model M-1938 (see also Wrist compasses).



(Click for enlarged view)

Technical Data
- Dimensions : 72 x 55 x 20 mm
- Weight: 80 g
- Divisions: 360°
- Compare with the item built by GURLEY

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- T -

TELEOPTIK

PROFILE - Former Yugoslavian Company. Its logo was the letter T in a triangle (see picture below). For more information click HERE.
The People's Army of Yugoslavia first utilised compass models taken from the German Prisoners of War (PoW). Later on, Teleoptik developed own models. Their designation indicate the year they have been issued: 1949 for model M.49 and 1953 for model M-53.

Copies of the user's instructions in serbocroatian language can be ordered (see SHOP):
- M.49: military version
- M-53: military and civilian version

Model M.49



Distance measuring by means of the scales in MILS in the lid (Mesni ugao): the distance between eye and compass must be 50 cm (20 in.) for the right-hand scale and 25 cm (10 in.) for the left-hand scale.


Technical Data
- Diameter: 60 mm
- Depth: 20 mm
- Weight: 100 g
- Divisions: 6400 Mils

Dial (see Miscellaneous/Cardinals, Serbo-Croatian)

Model PO-52


Computing formulae on rear side
Technical Data
- Diameter: 60 mm
- Depth: 20 mm
- Divisions: 6400 Mils
- Dial: same as above, a luminous arrow on the bezel
- No mirror
Model M-53




The capsule's ring is graduated in mils (6400) and the measured angle can be read at the underside in degrees.




Measuring a vertical distance (Click for enlarged view)
Drawing: Yugoslavian Army's manual

- The sighting slots in the lid are graduated:
“S+ 0 to 150” from the case’s base plate to the lid’s top on one side and respectively “S- 0 to 150” on the other side, to be read when holding the compass upside down. When holding it in 25 cm from the eye (a knot in the lanyard gives this distance), the observer can measure the distance between him and an object (whose size is known or estimated) and respectively, the distance between two points (if the distance to one of them is known) by means of the slots’ graduation and the artillery mils’ rule (1 unit = 1m at 1km distance). The total length (150 units could thus represent an angle of 1500 mils. 
Technical Data
- Dimensions: 70 x 63 x 16 mm
- Weight: 130 g
- Divisions: 6400 Mils
- Markings: M53 / S71

Interesting compass built according to some principles of the Bézard. Both sides of the base plate show divisions in millimeters but no graduation. The lid has a short slot, in-line with the mirror’s sightline, and two luminous dots. The lanyard attachment ring also has a slot corresponding to the sightline and a luminous dot at its rear side, only visible in the mirror. The mirror’s sight line upper end is terminated by a triangular luminous arrow.



(Click on the picture to view the military manual's front page - photocopies can be ordered)
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T.G. Co. Ltd London

Profile - T.G. Co. Ltd was the abbreviation used by The Gramophone Company. This firm merged with its subsidiary His Master's Voice (2/3) and with Columbia Graphophone Co. (1/3) in 1931 to become EMI (Electric & Musical Industries) who continued to use “The Gramophone Co.” trademark for various items, changing it for the War contracts to just T. G. Co. Ltd.
In reality, F. Barker & Son apparently built these compasses since they all carry the B prefix to the serial number.

T. G. Co. disappeared as soon as WW2 finished. This company name was probably used to keep secret the manufacturer's real identity.
The letter 'B' in the serial number means that this compass was in reality produced by F. BARKER.

(For more information concerning the chronology of the different Marks , please go to Mark 1, 2 etc.)



Technical Data
- Dimensions: 97 x 58 x 30 mm
- Weight: 285 gr
- Compass card: mother-of-pearl
- Divisions: 360 deg., clockwise
Note the dark orange colour of the (no longer luminous) radium- compound paint of the markings.
(Click on the images for enlarged views)

Model Mark III

BEWARE OF FAKES!




Reproduction currently made in India.
(read detailed entry HERE).
Model MARK 1* (1944)
(* not to be mistaken with
Barker's Mk1)



COMPASS MAGNETIC MARCHING
Two different versions were produced: the quite rare and probably early one bore the full name "The Gramaphone Company" (no. B6844). The more common and later one only bore the abbreviated name.

     

(Pic. at left courtesy Dennis Sweet who made it possible to put a name on the abbrev.)
Technical Data
- Dimensions: 70 x 65 x 25 mm
- Weight: 150 gr
- Divisions: 360 deg. clockwise
- S/N : B17689
The users instructions were printed on a small square of paper the size of the mirror (copy available).

Detail view of the dial:


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TRIUMPH

PROFILE - This instrument was probably made by LUFFT (Stuttgart) or Stockert (Nuremberg) for the German motorcycles manufacturer TRIUMPH on a special occasion. Manufacture date: 1924 (engraved on rear face on top of cities list).
The compass face features typical Bézard characteristics like the east-west stripe and the disk-shaped southern end of the needle. Only the cross at the northern end and the very unusual quadrants are unique: numbered every 15 degrees except for 0 and 45 where the cardinals are printed while the zero marker is facing each cardinal! The word Marsch-Richtung on the ruler in the middle of an arrow is also a hint at Bézard.
The transit lock is activated when folding the ruler.


 
Pictures courtesy Mark Robinson
(Click for enlarged views)


The devider caliper is stowed in the hollow map reading tool


Rear face: ruler folded with stowed devider.
For view of list of cities with magn. declination click HERE.
Technical Data
- Overall dim.: 74x13x5mm; compass dia.: 56mm
- The hollow folding ruler is 74mm long with the removable devider stowed (70mm with the devider removed); devider caliper: 47x10x2mm. The ruler is graduated up to 50mm and features map scales from 1:50,000 to 1:400,000 on one side (left column - pic. at left) and the corresponding line representing a certain distance in km (right column). Further scales on the sides: 1:25,000 and 1:40,000.

  
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- U -

- V -

VEB Plastverarbeitung

PROFILE - The company VEB* Plastverarbeitung (plastic materials) was an East-German manufacturer located in Tannenberg (Saxonny).
This " schoolboy's compass " (Schülerkompass) was stuck in a basis plate but could be separated and carried like a pocket compass. Its price is only indicated in "Mark" (2,85 M), which means it was maybe the successor of PLATIN (see the identical pocket compass with a price in Deutsche Mark, DM) after the "Wall" (Iron Curtain) was erected.
* see MISCELLANEOUS/Terminology/Abbr.



(Click on images for enlarged views)


Box (front and side view)
Technical Data
- Dimensions: 60 x 48 x 19 mm
- Compass dia.: 40 mm
- Ruler: 60 mm


Reverse of the user instructions
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- W -

WARDALE

PROFILE - John WARDALE & Co. London - former british manufacturer
(momentarily no other information available)



(Click detail view of dial)


Technical Data
- Dimensions: 78 x 78 x 26 mm
- Case: wood
- Weight: 120 gr
- Divisions: 360 deg. counterclockwise
- Date: 1918
- Serial no.: 5474
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WEHRSPORT

The German word Wehrsport designates paramilitary exercices (orienteering, shooting, fighting etc.) for youth organisations in Nazi-Germany (Hitler-Jugend). A specific document was printed for orienteering tasks including ads for compasses and tools  like a Romer scale (see BUSCH).
In communist Germany (GDR), the official org. was called GST (Gesellschaft für Sport und Technik). Read more info in the German Wikipedia.

Pict. at r.: A trainer (probably a Oberscharführer)
during an exercise wearing a Breithaupt compass
(Click for enlarged view)

WILKIE (Wilhelm Kienzler)

PROFILE - Former German company (for more information click HERE).
(see also the categories POCKET, WRIST-TOP, NAUTICAL and GEOLOGICAL COMPASSES)



Marching compass model M 105 F black

Technical Data
- Dimensions: 78 x 58 x 20 mm
- Case: plastic
- Weight: 50 gr


Box with the typical logo resembling the NATO Star

The magnetic needle looks as if made of only one half is in fact a blank part of a black disk. This design was also to be found on a geological / artillery compass without manufacturer name.
Marching compass model M 106 FC
(catalogue for 1972)


Sighting using the mirror

Technical data
- Case: aluminium
- Dimensions: 78 x 55 x 20 mm
- Weight: 150 gr

The later models had a square lid with a NATO star logo
Technical data
- Case: metallic, black
- Weight: 190 g

Here are the WILKIE's typical stabilisation winglets and the course setting tab at the underside well visible.


Some models had a tainted glass and a double scale

Pic. Robert Nicoud (Click for enlarged view)

Technical Data
- Model TOURING 11 (existed with and w/o mirror)
- Dimensions: 105 x 60 mm ; compass diam.: 55 mm
- Date: early 1970's
- Dial: identical with survey compasses 
- Bilingual export version (engl./spanish) "Direction of travel / sentido de marcha"
Technical Data
- Model TOURING 16
- Dimensions: 105 x 60 mm
- Date: early 1970's
- Instrument with a BILAND-type needle (with letters N and S).



(Detailed view of needle: click on picture)

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WINTERER

PROFILE - Franz WINTERER was an Austrian officier (for more information click HERE).
He developed four different compass models. Two (models I and II) were for military use (see category Survey and Artillery compasses). A smaller ones was a plain version for hikers based on the same patent than models I and II (no. 117354 for Austria, May 1929).
The fourth one (built in the early 50's) was a simple plexiglass plate with a rotating bevelled crown not unlike the old SILVA system.



Markings on the mirror:
- BUSSOLE SONNBLICK (model name)
- SYSTEM WINTERER
- PATENT No. 117354

(Click on the pictures for an enlarged view)




Patent no. indication on obverse
Patent, page 1
(Click on picture for German original as pdf)



Click on the link for page 2 and figure.

Technical Data
- Case: aluminum
- Dimensions: 85 x 42 x 15 mm
- Weight: 75 gr
- Rulers on both sides: divisions in mm but without graduations.
- Compass rose graduation: 360 degrees counterclockwise, in 10 deg, steps (thick black markings). The figures corresponding to NE, NW, SE, and SW are indicated as well as North (360) and South (180). The figures for WEST (90) and EAST (270) are located on a bar similar with the Bézard compass design (see the dedicated chapter).
- Serial no.: 1589

Post WWII plexiglass model
Winterer describes in its probably last book (1953) a fourth model called Plexi-Kompass. It was available alone or fixed onto a plexiglass ground plate.



Drawings: from the book KARTEN und BUSSOLEN-FIBEL im Gelände (How to use a map and a compass)
Size Comparison: model II (see geological compasses) / Bezard (small model I) / Winterer-Plexi-Model


(Click on the pictures for an enlarged view)...

Technical Data
- Base plate: plexiglass
- Dimensions (approx.):
90 x 70 x 15 mm

NOTE: The photographs on the book's cover show an item bearing the words Pat. ang. (applied for) but no number is indicated.

Winterer patented a system in 1956 (pat. no. 195662) for a special liquid dampened compass, a further development of his Plexi-Kompass.
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- X -

Unidentified - Germany or Austria

PROFILE - Manufacturer and users are still unknown (see below).

DESCRIPTION
This compass is in our eyes one of the most interesting items displayed in this category. Although its design is extremely low tech, it features all essential characteristics of a military marching compass. A high level of ingeniosity was obviously needed to cope with scarce industrial resources. Very little metal was employed for its production and the scales are either directly painted on the glass or made of decals.

The divisions and the cardinal points are printed on a stripe of paper while a grid and an arrow with the letter N are painted in red under the cover glass. The other cardinal points are printed below the corresponding figures: 48/O (Ost = East), 32/S, 16/W.
The cover glass is relatively lose. It is only secured in the case by two minute clamps made of bent wire inserted from outside into two slots. It can easily be rotated by the friction effort of two fingers to set a desired angle.

A tiny recess bored above the North mark (facing the 64 mils figure) contains a dot of luminous paint.
The needle is locked when not in use by a lever actuated when closing the lid.
Sighting is done by observing the target over a rifle-type sighting device and through a round hole located under a polished metallic mirror attached in its centre by a rivet in the flat round lid. The foresight bears a tiny dot of luminous paint.
The actual declination's value can be locked by means of a knurled screw sliding in a slot on the case' side.

The user instruction (Gebrauchsanweisung - photocopy available) doesn't name the manufacturer. They had to conceal their identity behind a three-letter-code anyhow, to avoid getting bombed... Solely the number at bottom of p. 2 (N/1114 8. 42) could enclose the production time (Aug. 1942)". The values indicated for the magnetic deviation confirm this interpretation, at least the ones for Germany (Berlin: 4,5°).
The abbreviation D.R.P. (Deutsches Reichspatent / German Empire Patent) without a pat. no. after the title 'Marschkompass mit verstellbarem Korrektionslineal' (marching compass with adjustable deviation indicating ruler) doesn't help either to unveil the manufacturer's identity. A thorough search through all compass patents filed in the three German-speaking countries (A, CH, D) at about this time gave no evidence of any instrument matching this device.



Technical Data
- Case material: aluminium
- Diameter: 69 mm
- Depth: 18 mm
- Weight: 100 gr
- Divisions: 6400 mils, counterclockwise
- Paint colour: dark blueish-grey
- Ruler: 50 mm (decal)
- Correction of declination: +/-15 deg. (decal)
- Grid squares: 11 x 11 mm

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- Y -

YEATES & SON

PROFILE - Former Irish manufacturer (for more information about him, click HERE).

As far as the technical caracteristics are concerned this compass design ressembles the Verner's pattern no. VI (see the Compass Collector's website) but it predates it since it is not a prismatic system and the card is not made of mother of pearl but of aluminium. The loop's hinge axis is a long screw like on the same (old) model shown between the F. Barker pocket compasses Search and Scouting.
The design is called Service Pattern: the NORTH direction (black diamond) could easily be told in the dark from the South (thin black line) on the autoluminous background (radium paint).

This special item was offered as having belonged to a British Army officer who is said to have served in the 6th Inniskilling Dragoons regiment (see WIKIPEDIA). It is supposed to have been used in South Africa during the Boer War (1899-1902).





The compass card's rim is cup-shaped and points upward for easier reading

Technical Data
- Diameter: 50 mm (2 1/4")
- Depth: 19 mm
- Weight: 135 gr
- Materials: steel case, brass ring and fitting
- Divisions: 360 degrees clockwise
- Card: decal of cardinal points and divisions on aluminium disk
- Full length aiming slot in lid with a round hole in its centre and luminous paint on each side
- Manual transit lock and momentary breaking lock (finger press dampener, see Verner's pattern Mk VII system).
- Bezel: rotating march / bearing glass face with cross-shaped bar and rifle-type sighting aids.

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- Z -

Z.I.E.L.

Profile - (No information available - seen only in Italy)

Technical Data
(No info - probably cheap asian production)
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ZIKO

PROFILE: Former German company? No data momentarily available - Your help is welcome.

Map reading devices (Click on pictures for enlarged views)





Technical Data
- Material: plastic
- Dimensions: 65 x 55 mm
- Speeds for infantry, cavalry and artillery units
- Scales: 1:100,000 - 1:80,000 - 1:125,000 - 1:75,000

Technical Data
- Material: plastic
- Dimensions: 65 x 55 mm
- Speed indications and scales (see pict. at left)
- Equivalence of various length and surface units (German, geographic and Russian miles, versts, hectars etc.)

Technical Data
- Material: aluminium
- Dimensions: 95 x 65 mm
- No speed indication but a compass rose with a red course setting arrow
- Graduation : 360 degrees (clockwise) and 6400 mils (counterclockwise)
- Indication Visierlinie (Line of sight)
- A small compass (diameter: 25 mm/1 inch) in which a rose made of aluminium paper is glued. A dot of luminous paint shows the gross direction of magnetic North located by 340 degrees - which would correspond to the early 19th c. in Europe! The needle's North point is also covered with luminous paint.
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