Found Sestrel Compass 30 Years ago Diving

[Sjmartin]

I Hope someone may be able to assist in identifying a Sestrel Compass that was found in the waters off Rabaul, Papua New Guinea about 30 years ago. Apart from the Sestrel name the only other marking is 9554 on the base.

Would really appreciate any information or at least some direction to were i could investigate further.
Thank You

 

[superheat6k]

Robinson Compass Adjuster in Hamble might be able to help.

Next to Cinnamon Bay Indian Restaurant and Barclay's Bank, and opposite the Church. Keeps strange hours though.

 

[JumbleDuck]

Try SIRS, who make the Sestrel range nowadays. I found them very helpful when I needed advice on my ancient Radiant.

http://www.sirs.co.uk/

 

[PeterWright]

Sestrel compasses used to be made by Henry Browne of Barking, Essex, but they ceased trading in, I believe, the 1980's. The designs then current and the brand name went to SIRS Navigation of Meopham, Kent:

http://www.sirs.co.uk/

who still manufacture some of the Sestrel models although their principle business is in civil and military avionics.

I have no idea whether SIRS have retained any of the history of Sestrel products, but it must be worth an ask.

Just seen that Jumbleduck got there before me!

 

[JumbleDuck]

I Hope someone may be able to assist in identifying a Sestrel Compass that was found in the waters off Rabaul, Papua New Guinea about 30 years ago. Apart from the Sestrel name the only other marking is 9554 on the base.

I have just dug old a scanned old Sestrel catalogue which the people at SIRS sent me a while ago. I think this is yours:

Crouch Box Compass

Cat. Nos.: 89544 88865 88866

A brass ordinary liquid filled compass fitted in a polished hardwood box with sliding lid. Ideal for small fishing craft​

.

The same compass seems to have been available in binnacles, either with (Langton) or without (Lifeboat) lights.

If you would like a copy of the brochure pdf, PM me an email address which is happy with a 4MB attachment.

 

[AndrewB]

Hey, I had one of those!

Sadly, mine fell overboard in Rye Harbour in 1978. No chance it might have washed up in Papua New Guinea, you think?

 

[JoDee]

I have just dug old a scanned old Sestrel catalogue which the people at SIRS sent me a while ago. I think this is yours:

View attachment 48153​

​

Crouch Box Compass​

​

Cat. Nos.: 89544 88865 88866​

​

A brass ordinary liquid filled compass fitted in a polished hardwood box with sliding lid. Ideal for small fishing craft​

.

The same compass seems to have been available in binnacles, either with (Langton) or without (Lifeboat) lights.

If you would like a copy of the brochure pdf, PM me an email address which is happy with a 4MB attachment

 

[JoDee]

Hi Jumbleduck - this is an old post so not sure if you are still on the forum. I have a compass made by Sestrel and I was hoping to determine its age. I note you have information on the various designs made by them. Please see attached photos. Thank you for any help you can provide

 

[JoDee]

Hi Jumbleduck - this is an old post so not sure if you are still on the forum. I have a compass made by Sestrel and I was hoping to determine its age. I note you have information on the various designs made by them. Please see attached photos. Thank you for any help you can provide

 

[RunAgroundHard]

Wow! The exact same pictures from a different poster in 2015.

Who would have thought, bot.

 

[JoDee]

It isn’t the exact same pictures - and the query is genuine