A vintage Japanese transparent compass, dating from the mid 20th century, probably made in the 1950's or 1960's. It features luminous paint marker dots at the cardinal points and on the needle. The compass has an arrow shaped needle finely balanced between two glass lenses, held together by a nickel plated ring. One side of the compass has black and red markings around the edge, set against a silver background. The other side has silver markings and luminous cardinal points against a black background.
Transparent compasses were intended to be used laid upon a map, allowing the map details to be viewed through the compass. Francis Barker & Son made similar transparent compasses (known as the 'Pebble Lens') from the late 19th centry until the 1920's - although Barker's design featured magnifying lenses, wheras Japanese versions like this one had plain domed glass that was non-magnifying.
Condition:
The compass is in very good condition and finds North well. The luminous paint markers at the cardinal points and on the needle glow strongly in the dark.
Dimensions : 45mm diameter
