- S -
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.
|
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 |
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)
|
PROFILE - Swedish company (for more information click
HERE).
SILVA bought SISTECO in 1990 and still produces their model Mark IV.
Concerning the special division system (6300 streck) read the chapter
Miscellaneous/Divisions/Mils.
See also the section Wrist and pin-on compasses.
SILVA also produced
two
movies, one about the use of Map
& Compass and the other about the new discipline
called
Orienteering.
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
The later version with plastic base plate was designated Type 3 - 400
:

|
Model
II-S (1933)
Compare with the NIFE
& LYTH
marching compasses

The only user instruction known is a four-pages type-written
French translation with glued drawings.
|
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
This model was apparently offered until the 1960s (s. catalogue below,
photocopies available):
 |
"Armékompass"
Model
1939*
(called after WWII Type 15 Ranger)

Technical Data
- Dim.: 100 x 64 x 20mm
- Weight: 130 gr
- Divisions: 6300 streck/mils, clockwise plus 400 grades (gon) on the
base
plate rear face.
- Serial no.: 20089
|
(Armékompass
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 base plate
rear face,
- Parallel lines on bezel aligned on the N-S axis: scale from 0-10,
figures 3, 5, 7 and 9 only
engraved, total breadth: 50 mm / 2 in.
- cardinals in Swedish language (N-Ö-S-V) |
*
NOTE: the
name Armékompass
is the item's designation in Swedish language
The survey units in Sweden's Artillery use theodolites with the 400
grades (gon) division but the front observers and fighting batteries
use the
special MIL unit called streck
(6300 units
in a full circle).
Source: Håkan
Sahlin, Major, ret. |

Military
Model Expedition Type
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 Type
5 SILVA Jr. (or Pathfinder)
of
the US Girls Scouts (GS)
See also Scoutism
and (in
Pocket compasses) a Compass
Game for beginners.
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 at left for a view of the practising compass and
the map)
|
The
first compass made by SILVA U.S.A. (created after WWII) was
the Type
2 Voyager*
displayed in the 1950 catalogue. It was
marked 'Reg. Pat. Off.' i.e. Registered U.S. Patent Office.
In 1975, the U.S. Patent Office was renamed U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office.
* The same compass
model is called Typ
7
in the Swedish version. |
1958 catalog of SILVA Inc. Laporte, IND
|

This catalog also features the matchbox-type instrument made by the
Swiss mfr. RECTA
called here Type
25 Prospector.
NOTE: In the 1955
book the Type 15 was called Ranger
and
the model called Explorer
was
almost identical to Type 2. |
| An
hexagonal-shaped compass called Type
21 Pioneer was created in (?)
but
it
apparently didn't offer any technical edge. On the contrary, its
non-transparent base plate is a rather disadvantage. |

Ad and User instr. (click for details)
|
|
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).
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.
PROFILE - Sisteco
Ltd was a Finnish company founded by a former Suunto president to
compete with Suunto.
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)
|
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. |

PROFILE
- Former
British company (more information
HERE).
Pic.
at right: flyer (exerpt)
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 - Preseries

Pictures
G. Ralph
(Click
on images for
enlarged views)
|

The case featured cardinals outside like on F. Barker & Son's
model Mk III
(see T.G.
Co. Ltd London) |
Technical
Data
- Dimensions: (length, closed) 88 x 58 (dia.) x 35 (height) mm
- Weight: < 250 g
- Card: Mother-of-pearl
- Divisions: 6400 MILS, a similar version graduated in degrees is also
known to exist
- Illumination: Radium compound markings ?
- Markings on reverse: only the manufacturer's name
- Manufacture date: mid 1970's ?
|
Model
G150 - Series

(Click
on images for
enlarged views)
|

|
Technical
Data
- Dimensions: (length, closed) 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)
This instrument was maybe also sold under the brand name DOMINION.
Compare with F.
BARKER's models.
|

Picture
www.trademarkondon.com -
(Click on picture for
enlarged views)
|
Model
L1A1
This compass type was
manufactured
for only one month in the 1980s then discontinued. It’s
roughly
the same size as the G150, just weighs less, and has a
different
design. Stanley stopped making them very quickly
for technical reasons
(leakage problems - read the full story HERE)
and continued with the G150.
|
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
|
PROFILE - Former German company located Böcklingstrasse 2 (now
Lommelstr.) in a southern district of
Munich (München-Solln). The company name "Moment-Apparate"
appears
on the user instructions. It was registered in 1937/38? by Carl's wife
Erika von Stein-Liebenstein zu Barchfeld. The inscription in the
telephone book of Munich for the year 1942 is "
Stein, Carl von, (HR),
Messgeräte u.
elektr.techn.
Apparate " (i.e. measuring
and
electrotechnical instruments).
The abbréviation HR =
Handelsregister
indicates that the company was registered).
During the first air bombing of Munich on September 19, 1942, a bomb
hit the house no. 1 on the opposite side of the street and which
belonged to the industrial manager Rodenstock (optics).
The company was no longer listed in the telefone books in the
following years. We assume thus that their house (and maybe the family
itself) was probably also badly hit.
The only known product is this unusual instrument called TYP 39
(since probably made in 1939) featuring a tiny aluminium
pocket compass attached to a much larger bakelite case.
 |
 |

|
Technical Data
- Compass diameter: 35mm
- Case dimensions: 80 x 80 x 21mm
- Weight: 95grs
- Ruler: 70mm
- Divisions: 6400 mils, counter clockwise in the compass and on the
course setting platte.
- Marking on cover: "v.
Stein"
- User instruction (photocopies can be ordered). |
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) |
PROFILE - U.S. manufacturer who produced like many others the
lensatic compass type
M-1950.
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.
In the 1960's, there was a tight cooperation with the other two
compass manufacturers located of the vicinity (Fürth and
Nuremberg) and the catalogues of
C. Stockert, PASTO and Wilkie
were similar in respect to form and content.
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" and featured a thumb loop which opened
the lid when rotated upwards (patent no. 476998).
. |

C. Stockert's logo was the initial letter (S) in an elongated hexagon.
Technical Data
- Case: bakelite
- Lid: brass
- Ring: nickel
- Dimensions: 60 x 55 x 18 mm
- Weight: 72 g |
Two
versions of
the Marschkompass
are known: the early one with a white chapter ring and a 50 mm ruler
and
the later one with a black chapter ring and a 100 mm ruler.

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 chapter
ring. |
Taking a bearing
with the Marschkompass
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) |
A
luxury 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 chapter ring and 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 counter-clockwise)

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 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 |
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. |

The needle and the capsule were probably supplied by WILKIE. |
Technical
Data
Modern fluid dampened version of the boy scout compass.
- Automatic opening of the
lid by turning the loop, - Folding grip 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 late 60's / early 1970's |
The Marschkompass
model in grey plastic case was available with dry or fluid
capsule.
|
The
abbreviations D.R.P. and
D.B.G.M. on the obverse (see MISCELLANEOUS/ Terminology /
Abbr.), indicate a
probable production date in the late 50's or early 60's. The 'S' logo
doesn't appear on the liquid capsule version.
|
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
|
Moreover,
there was a large version (breadth: 65 mm; ruler, fully
opened: 130
mm). The old one featured a dry needle capsule (6400 Mils,
counter-clockw. div.) in a bakelite case. The surface of the
external sides featured a grid of tiny "diamonds" (losenges) and the
only markings
are the usual logo (a small S above
the thumb ring axis) and the abbr. DRP at the opposite border. The
modern version featured a red fluid-damped needle in a light alloy
casing (6400 Mils, clockw. div.). The surface protection was
a sort of "hammered" grey paint. The fluid
damping capsule akin
the KOMMIT model above was most
probably supplied by WILKIE.
|
(Pictures
above courtesy
Jaypee - Priv. coll.)
|

Size
comparison
|
TTTYPИCT-2
(TOURIST-2 )
A civilian version (360°) in Russian was also produced
probably under license in the USSR in the 1950's. It was
called
TOURIST-2.
The manufacturer's name is unknown.
Its logo was
a losange in which the letter
П
(P) was placed inside 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. It was carried
in a
plastic
box (
click on
link for pict.)
featuring a wind of rose and the name of Moscow in
Russian (
MOCKBA).
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
|
SÜSS NÁNDOR
Voir
MOM
- T -
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) |
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 & Son.
(For more information concerning the chronology of the different
Marks
, please go to
Mark
1, 2 etc.)

PROFILE
- This instrument was made by
Meiser
& Mertig
for
the motorcycles
manufacturer TRIUMPH
on a special occasion. Manufacture date: 1924 (engraved on
rear face on top of
the 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 bezel is secured to the
case by means of a piece of wire lying in the respective grooves. It is
to be pushed into a tiny hole (located on the right-hand side of the
ruler hinge - see the picture in the top right corner of the
view
of the
dismantled
instrument) and is self-locking
in a slot (left of the hinge). As
far as we know, this system is only to be found on the
OPTOS
compass. A highly reflecting film of waffled aluminum is placed on the
bottom of the capsule. The luminous markings on the
needle (cross and disk) and under the glass (disk on
the SOUTH side!) consist of Balmain paper.
Transit lock: the needle is pushed upwards when the calipers holder is
swung back in place
(see
photo of mechanism HERE).

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
- Weight: 120 gr
- The hollow folding ruler
is 74mm long with the removable devider stowed (70mm when the devider
is 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.
 |
- U -
- V -
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 |
PROFILE and general information
HERE.

Foto
Dave Moss
(Zur Detailansicht, Bild anklicken)
|
Technical
Data
Dim. (standard Verner's pattern):
- Dia.: 52 mm
- Length clsd.: 77 mm
- Thickness: 21 mm
- Engraving (on case bottom):
PROV PAT (Provisional
Patent),
no manufacturer's name.

|
This
version is the last
avatar of the VERNER family. It constitutes an attempt during
WW2
to take a share of the market conquered by the new
fluid dampened Mk III by imitating one of its features, the chapter
ring. The technical solution was half-hearted though
since non rotatable. This transparent ring was graduated with a round
hole at the place of the zero located under the prism. The compass
disc's rim was also transparent like on the MORDAN system
(mica).
A small quantity of Radium-compound located in the cas under the prism
illuminated the figures. It was certainly cheaper and lighter but the
disc would need more time to settle than the Mk III's.
|
PROFILE -
Verner's
pattern compass with an
unsolved engraving. Thank you for helping us find out
the country of origin and the manufacturer.
The common Verner's pattern compasses feature a mother-of-pearl disk.
This one is "negative" with white figures and markings on a black face.
The card's material is unknown.

(Pictures
courtesy A. Saukants)
|

Engraving on bottom
(Click
on the images for enlarged views)
|
Verner's Pattern Mark VIII
Technical
Data
- Dimensions (dia. x h.): 54 x 21 mm
- Engravings on rear side: Vern.bus
(+ S/N)
Note: The website compasscollector.com
cites black-face Verner compasses signed 'MIO'.
User instructions : see our Shop (Short & Mason) |
- W -
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 |
Portrait : E. R. WATTS & Son Ltd. 123 Camberwell Road London
SE5 was a manufacturer and retailer of measuring and scientific
instruments.
The company was established by Edwin Watts in 1856 and
incorporated as limited company in 1919. In 1946 WATTS Acquired 78% of
Adam Hilger and the microscope maker James Swift and Son.
1948 Amalgamated with Adam Hilger as Hilger and Watts Ltd which was
incorporated as a public company
(Source:
www.gracesguide.co.uk )
The Mk IX displayed hereafter is a
Verner's
pattern Mk IX
compass.
Mark IX
(Click
on images for enlarged
views) |
|
Technical Data
(same as Mk. VIII - see F-L)
The Mk IX was identical to the Mk VIII but was not engraved with the
inventor's name because the patent protection had already ended.
- Date : 1935
Picture at right: compass signed by WATTS & HILGER
|
 |

Compasses issued to German soldiers between 1933 and
1945 are displayed in the chapters
Breithaupt,
BUSCH,
MK, Zeiss Ikon, etc. See also the section Survey and Artillery
compasses (Breithaupt, Goerz, Zeiss,
"X"
(unknown manufacturer).
The photograph at right shows three German officers somewhere in Russia
during WWII. One of them has wrapped around his binocular a Russian
Adrianov-type
wrist compass
which were used in the
Red Army.
(
Click
for enlarged views)
The German word
Wehrsport
designates paramilitary exercices (orienteering, shooting, fighting
etc.) for youth organisations in Nazi-Germany like the
Hitler-Jugend.
A
series of 13 specific documents called
WEHRSPORTTAFELN (link to list)
existed explaining how to use
various
tools for orienteering tasks like the compass (no. 8 "Orientierung",
see BUSCH compasses)
and
the square protractor or Romer scale (no. 12
"Planzeiger"
-
photocopies avlbl. in our SHOP).
In
communist East-Germany (GDR), the official org. was called GST
(Gesellschaft
für Sport und Technik). Read more info about it in the
German Wikipedia.
Pict.
at r.: A
trainer (probably a
Oberscharführer)
during an exercise carrying a
BUSCH
compass
(Click
on image for enlarged
view)
PROFILE - Former German company (for more information click
HERE).
Picture at right: Box with the company logo resembling the NATO's rose
of winds
(see also the categories POCKET, WRIST, NAUTICAL and SURVEY
COMPASSES)
In the 1960's, there was a tight cooperation with the other two
compass manufacturers located in the vicinity (cities of Fürth
und Nürnberg) and the catalogues of
C. Stockert, PASTO and Wilkie
were similar concerning form and content.
 
The swivelling aft
sight is identical to the prism fitting of the model PASTO
206 S and
at the lowest point of the circular opening in the lid is a tiny
triangle (fore sighting aid) (click HERE
for picure of sighting). |
This
model doesn't appear in any of
the catalogues known and can as well have been designed and made by
PASTO. It was
propably an aborted project for the German
Army (Bundeswehr, Bw) created in 1956. The tiny arrow on the case's
left upper face is also on the Bw compasses made by Askania und
Breithaupt (CONAT).
It is neither a lensatic nor a prismatic compass like the common items
used by the U.S. Army (s. Stocker and Yale, Cammenga
etc.) or the British Army (s. Barker, Stanley).
Catalogue published by C.
Stockert (1960s)
:
(Click on image for
descr. im Engl.)
|
Technical
Data
- Divisions: 360° clockw. on the chapter ring and 6400 Mils
clockw. on the capsule's bottom
- Casing material: alumimum; colour:
Military green;
Side rulers: 50 mm and 2 Zoll; Lid: black
- Dimensions (casing): 60 x 55 x 20 mm
- Weight: 160 gr
- Mirror: swinging downwards and automatically locking when deployed by
45°. On the rearside is a sticker featuring a table with, for a
value in degrees, the corresponding width or distance of an
object (ratio) and also a map measuring information (scales)
(for picture click HERE
).
- Magnetic needle: fluid dampened with Wilkie typical stabilizing
winglets
User Instruction in a WILKIE booklet with the typical logo (NATO rose
of winds):
(Click on image for full
descr. in Engl.) |

Model with grey case and only 6400 MILS divisions designated M
104 V in the 1968 catalogue but
with a rectangular lid
bearing WILKIE's logo
(NATO rose of winds) and the abbr. DBGM on back side. User
instruction in three languages (D / E / F).
Early 1960's.
|

Marching compass model M 105 F black
Technical Data
- Dimensions: 78 x 58 x 20 mm
- Case: plastic
- Weight: 50 gr |

The magnetic needle looking as if only made of its northern half is in
fact a
blank part of a black disk. This design is also to be found on a light
artillery compass without
manufacturer name and on Wilkie's lapel
compasses.
|
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
On the case of the German Army's models appears the word BUND (short
for Bundeswehr). For picture click
HERE.
|

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)
|
PROFILE - Franz WINTERER was an Austrian officier (for more
information click
HERE).
He developed at least four different compass models. Two of them
(models I and II) were
for military use and are described in the section Survey and Artillery
compasses. A
smaller one was a plain version for hikers based on the same patent
than models I and II (no. 117354 for Austria, May 1929). A wooden
version of it is known which bears no information. It was probably made
before the patent was accepted.
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.
Early
plain wooden version

_________________________________
Series model with patent no.

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


(Click
on pictures above for
enlarged views)

Patent no. indicated on obverse |
Patent
p. 2, figs.

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
A civilian version of the larger modell I also existed with a 360
degrees and a 24
hours divisions
in the same casing as the military version (comp. with survey
compasses).
|
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. |
- X -
PROFILE - Manufacturer and users are still unknown (see below).
No. 1 - DESCRIPTION
Unique
design: the setting of a marching bearing could be done by placing the
instrument on a map without orientating it towards north,
using the rotating
base plate's flat rifle-type sight
to point at the map's north and turning the case so that its sighting
paint
markings would point at the target. The loop is
attached by means of a long conical screw, which means it was made in
the late 19th C. The illumination system consisted of stripes of paper
behind mica protection
covers in the lid and the loop fitting, on the needle's
north
pointing end and of two tiny square pieces* glued besides the N on the
base plate
(images were
postedited).
* blackened, almost invisible now.

|

(Click
on the images for
enlarged views)
|
Technical
Data
- Dimensions:
• Overall length (closed): 85mm
• Thickness (closed): 20mm
• Dia. (case): 55mm
- Divisions: 360 deg., clockwise, cardinal points in German
- Transit lock: automatically when closing the lid
|
No. 2 - 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
 |
- Y -
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.
 |
- Z -
PROFILE - Famous German manufacturer of optics. This instrument
resembles in many points the standard
Wehrmacht
soldiers compass
(see
Breithaupt,
Busch, MK, etc.) but it is very probably only an early
proposal since it lacks several features of the later series production
and was
never issued to the troops (s. differences below).
 |
 |
Pictures courtesy A. Brenner
Click on images for enlarged views
|
Technical
Data
- Dia.: mm
- Length: mm
Differences to the standard model: no foldable ruler, lid made of two
riveted parts and nose not cutaway for the sighting device (heavier),
long marching course arrow entirely painted (more radium compound
needed). |
Profile - (No information available - seen only in Italy)
 |
Technical
Data
(No info - probably cheap asian production) |
PROFILE: Former German company located in Stuttgart
Indication on six-pages flyer (pict. at r.) : "Alleinhersteller M.
TIDICK,
Stuttgart, Postfach 66". (sole manufacturer M. TIDICK, Stuttgart,
Mailbox 66)
No further 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
The oldest known versions connues (catalogue Schardt 1914 below) were
silver- or even gold-coated:

|

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.)
Compared compass types
|

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)
- Compass types (see pic. at left): there were two versions: a small
one (dia. 18 mm) with only a
white card and cardinal point without any luminous paint and a large
one (diameter: 25 mm/1 inch) in which a rose made of
aluminium paper was 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. |