mystery compass

[Pauly]

Just picked this up this morning at the Ardingly boat jumble. It's a compass, obviously, but with a few more bits than I've seen before. Is anyone able to shed some light on its use?

 

[Ric]

looks like an astronomy compass.

 

[pampas]

Think its a surveyors compass or maybe used down mines.

 

[alahol2]

Looks like a marching compass with a clinometer.

 

[Len Ingalls]

It's a surveyors,or orienteer's(hiking)-sighting compass.As your pic shows,you sight thru the peep holes at an object,& read the bearing in mirror.Very nice-use it as bearing & back-up compass on your boat & dinghy. Cheers / Len

 

[rivonia]

It's a surveyors,or orienteer's(hiking)-sighting compass.As your pic shows,you sight thru the peep holes at an object,& read the bearing in mirror.Very nice-use it as bearing & back-up compass on your boat & dinghy. Cheers / Len

I do believe that it is Army issue. Look very closely at it and you should find the military issue symbol. Worth a bob or two now as the military do not use this type any more.

 

[EU_Cruiser]

Some type of prismatic compass? https://www.google.co.za/search?q=p...D%3DEquipment%2FPrismaticCompassLarge;450;600

 

[duncan99210]

No, not a Military issue: the issue compass used to be what's known as a prismatic compass. It looks similar at first glance but doesn't have the peep sight arrangement of the example above. A link here to one being offered on ebay shows what the military one looks like http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/3103...1=ICEP3.0.0-L&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=108&ff19=0
The prismatic was in issue for a long time and the only real variation to the pattern was a change to the compass card from degree to mils (6400 in the circle). I have one that my father in law left to me; it was one of the few bits of kit he brought back from Dunkirk and he somehow retained it.

Looking at combined clinometer/compass in online catalogues shows them available looking very much like the OPs picture although not as nicely finished. Link to one here http://geologysuperstore.com/geolog...nal-quad-compass-clinometer-4x90-5005-lm.html Nice to have, be fine on a boat as a hand held compass.

 

[savageseadog]

It's probably an Indian or Chinese repro I'm afraid

 

[FWB]

iPhone version
.

 

[ditchcrawler]

It probably has Stanley as the maker inside the dial.It is a surveying compass.Google the name and you will see the info.There are some copies knocking about.

 

[alahol2]

It looks to me like this one... http://www.nauticalia.com/uk-info/instruments/navigation_and_compasses/classic_survey_comp./4560.html#

 

[Pauly]

It does look like the nauticalia offering. Came in a little wooden box with a brass inlaid anchor on the lid. Only paid a tenner so no big deal. I was just wondering about the correct use of it with all the little twiddly bits.

 

[alahol2]

I was just wondering about the correct use of it with all the little twiddly bits.

Here you go... http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=14&ved=0CIYBEBYwDQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.geo.utexas.edu%2Fcourses%2F420k%2FPDFs%2FBrunton_Compass_09.pdf&ei=50LFVPb-OIWvUc-dgMAP&usg=AFQjCNEGrCpSJY1epQzeAei6q18yYSRpnw&sig2=lmpQ6HDnK-7YAfd2wvmnRA&bvm=bv.84349003,d.d24&cad=rjt

 

[Pauly]

Haha! Well done A2, the diversity and depth of information available on the interweb never ceases to amaze me.

 

[DavidMcMullan]

Looks like one of these ... http://www.nauticalia.com/uk-info/i..._and_compasses/classic_survey_comp./4560.html

 

[Hadenough]

Don't write it off too soon. It is a surveyors compass, I have a genuine one which is the one of the few things that survived the bricks and mortar to livaboard cull. Mine is gunmetal with slots in the side and a beveled base to fit into a steadying pole. In any case even if it's a copy it is a lovely thing to have.

 

[Mariner69]

There were a load of Chinese copies available in the Bahrain US Navy PX for USD 10 in 2003. Most of us passing through bought them to sell later on eBay where they were making huge profits when described as possible antique/vintage of unknown origin.

I kept mine because it had special significance and it sits in my book case.

One thing, do not pack it in your hold baggage if travelling by air. On X-ray screens it can appear exactly like a hand grenade depending on how it sits amongst your dunnage. Don't ask me how I know, but I will say; having nervous guys with fingers on triggers pointing their assault rifles at you, as you gingerly open the zipped bag thinking "I'm sure I didn't pack anything looking like that image on the X-Ray screen" And yes it looked just like an old Mills Bomb. Sweaty time.

For ten dollars the entertainment value was priceless!

 

[Rhyddid]

i recognize that unit..... and strangely I was born in Ardingly..... No **** ! check out avatar......

 

[Alpha22]

It does look like the nauticalia offering. Came in a little wooden box with a brass inlaid anchor on the lid. Only paid a tenner so no big deal. I was just wondering about the correct use of it with all the little twiddly bits.

Ahh!!! Measuring strike angles....... that takes me back to my 'A' Level Geology days......