{"title":"Field Gear","description":"Military items and equipment","products":[{"product_id":"vintage-francis-barker-altimeter-barometer","title":"Vintage English Altimeter Barometer","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn English-made pocket altimeter-barometer, probably intended for military use and dating from the 1970s or 1980s. Quite large (80mm diameter) for a pocket barometer, in good working order, complete with its original leather case. Although not signed by Francis Barker \u0026amp; Son Ltd, this altimeter is in the style of instruments made by Barker in the 1970s and 1980s. There is a little wear to the bezel ring, but otherwise the altimeter and leather case are in excellent condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn very good condition and full working order. With some cosmetic wear and marks to the rotating bezel. The leather case is in very good condition. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(\u003cstrong\u003ePlease note:\u003c\/strong\u003e this is a vintage instrument and should not be relied upon to give an exact reading, such as you might get from a modern digital instrument. However, it has been tested recently and is reading very accurately).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003e80mm diameter (115mm including loop)\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":373643881,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/Barker_altimeter_-_19.jpg?v=1581965949"},{"product_id":"w-gregory-co-british-army-marching-compass-c-1900","title":"W. Gregory \u0026 Co. British Army Marching Compass c.1900","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn excellent example of an English military marching compass dating from c.1893-1904. This is a very rare and unusual design, I have only seen one other example. The 'W', 'E' and 'S' markings on the glass and the red War Office broad arrow or 'crow's foot' mark at the North point on the compass card are features that mark this out as a particularly rare compass. The hand drawn paper compass card has the retailer's name: 'W. Gregory \u0026amp; Co, 51 Strand, London'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe broad arrow marking and Gregory's well-known association with the British Army strongly suggests that this compass was intended for military use, most probably during the Boer War. As Gregory died in 1904, it is reasonable to assume that the compass was made around the turn of the century. The compass has a hand-drawn paper card, with a red broad arrow at the north point, a jewelled pivot, and a brass hunter case. There is an automatic transit lock which engages when the lid is in place. There would have been a paper sighting marker attached to the inside of the lid, but this is no longer present.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWilliam Gregory (1837-1904)\u003c\/strong\u003e was a notable military photographer and optician who worked from this address from c.1881 until his death in 1904. One of his advertisments from 1885 described the business as 'Optician to H. M. Government (War Dept.), the National Rifle Association, etc'. In 1889 Gregory was forced to file for bankruptcy, and his business was taken over by Samuel Smith \u0026amp; Sons, with Gregory staying on as manager. During the 1890s Gregory established himself as a successful photographer of military subjects, and examples of his glass negatives and photographs can be seen at the National Army Museum. As Gregory died in 1904, this compass must have been made between 1881 and 1904, probably by one of the best London makers, such as Francis Barker. Gregory was not a compass maker, and would have bought items such as this wholesale from makers like Barker, signing them with the company name, before selling them in his shop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe compass is in very good condition and finds north well. The automatic transit lock is working perfectly. The compass card is in very good condition. The original glass is in very good condition. The brass case is in good condition, with a few marks and minor signs of age and wear. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 47mm diameter (excluding loop, 70mm including loop)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1326835852,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/Boer_War_Gregory05.jpg?v=1490176068"},{"product_id":"francis-barker-indian-army-singers-patent-compass-c-1860","title":"Francis Barker Indian Army Singer's Patent Compass c.1868","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn extremely rare (possibly unique) compass, made by Francis Barker in the 1860s for the British Army in India. This compass is exceptionally unusual in that it is not only signed by Barker, it is also marked 'Stanley, London' on the compass card and features the official War Office broad arrow or 'crow's foot' mark. The broad arrow appears above a capital letter 'I', denoting  that this compass was issued to the Indian Army.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe paper compass card is hand drawn in the classic Singer's design, and marked 'Singer's Patent', although without a serial number, which dates the compass to around the time the patent elapsed in 1868. The date of the compass can be narrowed down further as the card is also marked 'Trade Mark London', with the letter 'S' the right way round, identifying it as having been made before the end of 1875 (the 'S' was reversed after the death of Francis Barker in December 1875). It has a jewelled pivot and nickel plated brass hunter case, with a transit lock which operates when the lid is closed. The compass even retains the original leather strap, which would have been used to attach it to an officer's tunic or belt.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #6fa8dc;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSamuel Berry Singer\u003c\/strong\u003e (1796 - c.1875)\u003c\/span\u003e was a master mariner from Southampton when he patented his unique design in July 1861. Its high contrast design was intended to be much easier to read in low light than conventional compasses of the time. He did not benefit greatly from his invention, the patent lapsed in 1868, and he ended his days living in poverty in Kincardine on the Firth of Forth. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn very good condition and full working order. The leather strap shows signs of wear and age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 48mm (65mm including loop)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":1366050372,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/Singers_Indian_army_-_25.jpg?v=1519215519"},{"product_id":"air-ministry-secret-radar-manual-1944","title":"Air Ministry Secret Radar Manual (1944)","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSHORE RADAR SERVICES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003eA Summary of Operational, Technical\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003eand General Data\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003ePREPARED BY DIRECTION OF THE RADAR BOARD\u003cbr\u003eFOR INTER-SERVICES USE\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: inherit; line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: inherit; line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: inherit; line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAIR MINISTRY,  October 1944\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: inherit; line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: 160%;\"\u003eAn extremely rare confidential WW2 Air Ministry Radar manual, published in October 1944. The book is a detailed and very well illustrated summary of information about the various types of A.M.E.S. (Air Ministry Experimental Stations) land based and mobile radar equipment in use by British armed forces in 1944. AMES was originally the name given to the Air Ministry's development team at Bawdsey Manor immediately before the outbreak of WW2. The AMES acronym became the basis for naming RAF radar systems throughout the war. This manual includes details of the many AMES Types, from 5 MK II to 57, as well as Anti-Aircraft and Coastal Artillery Radar equipment. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: 160%;\"\u003eIt was clearly an important and top secret document at the time, and is marked 'Restricted', and 'Confidential', with additional warnings relating to the Official Secrets Act on the front cover. Illustrated throughout with numerous photographs, this book would be an invaluable resource and reference work for anyone interested in British radar operations and equipment during WW2.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: inherit; font-size: inherit;\"\u003eIn very good condition. The cover is in very good condition, with a few marks. The lace fastened binding is secure and in good condition. The text, diagrams and photographs are in very good condition. With 'Air ministry' 'Imperial War Museum - Withdrawn', 'Whitehall', and Air Ministry Library stamps, and the remains of a 'Restricted' label on the cover.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%; font-size: inherit;\"\u003ePublished: 1944\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003eIllustrated with photographs \u0026amp; diagrams \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003eKhaki binder\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003e with black titling\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003eDimensions: 190mm 260mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003ePages: 150 (approx)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":33987437192,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/Radar_-_32.jpg?v=1499204115"},{"product_id":"verners-service-pattern-compass-mk-vi","title":"Verner's Service Pattern Compass Mk VI","description":"\u003cp\u003eA rare early version of the MK VI Verner's Service Pattern prismatic military compass, signed by Robert Ballantine of Glasgow, and dating from c.1908. Ballantine, who set up his business in 1908 at 99 St Vincent St, Glasgow (the address marked on the base of the compass), would have been the retailer, with the compass most probably having been made by either F. Barker \u0026amp; Son or J. H. Steward. This compass is in extraordinarly fine condition, pretty much as good as the day it was sold. There is virtually no wear at all to any part of the compass, with the original oxidised and lacquered finishes in near mint condition. It is in perfect working order. It is exceptionally unusual to find a Verner's compass in what can only be described as museum condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Verner's MK VI was produced between c.1905-1914, but had been replaced by the MK VII by the start of WW1. The aluminium compass card features black hand-painted markers over a luminous paint background. This type of luminous paint, most probably a version of 'Balmain's Luminous Paint' was a compound of calcium sulphide. The paint was made luminous by exposure to sunlight or, as suggested in the instruction booklet, by burning a strip of magnesium ribbon near the compass card. It was patented in England in 1877 by William Balmain, and was often used in compasses, before the introduction of radium paint rendered it obsolete just before WW1. This compass may well have been an officer's private purchase item, but from its condition it was clearly never used. The compass comes complete with its original fitted leather case and shoulder strap, and the original, extremely rare, instruction booklet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRobert Ballantine\u003c\/strong\u003e: In the late 19th century the Ballantine family were involved in the business of J. Lizars, a well established Glasgow opticians. Matthew Ballantine took over the running of the company in 1882. They expanded into selling photographic items around this time, starting to manufacture cameras around 1896. In 1908 Robert Ballantine retired from the Lizars Buchanan St. business and set up in business under his own name at 99 St Vincent St, Glasgow as an optician and photographic dealer. The Glasgow business of Lizars continued under the management of Matthew Ballantine junior and Arthur Ballantine, both sons of Matthew Ballantine senior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLt-Colonel William Willoughby Cole Verner (1852-1922)\u003c\/strong\u003e served on the staff in the Egyptian campaign of 1884-85 and during the Boer War. He retired as a Lt-Colonel in May 1904. The earliest Verner designs were simple pocket compasses, with the various models of the Service Pattern, MK III to MK VII, appearing between c.1900-1918. His prismatic service compasses were essentially a development of the Schmalcalder patent design of the early 19th century, but they remained the standard service compass of the British Army until the start of WW2. As well as designing compasses, Verner was a prolific author, military historian, and chronicler of the Rifle Brigade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe compass is in near mint condition and full working order. There is some minor wear to the original leather case. The instruction booklet has been folded to fit in the case, but is otherwise in good condition. Overall, an exceptional, museum quality MK VI Verner's. It would be almost impossible to find a better example.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions :\u003c\/strong\u003e 52mm (case diameter, 72mm inc. prism)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":34158616712,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/Compass_Library_photos_1-16_-_80.jpg?v=1493754052"},{"product_id":"aston-mander-air-ministry-parallel-ruler","title":"Aston \u0026 Mander Air Ministry Parallel Ruler","description":"\u003cp\u003eA WW2 RAF Air MInistry parallel ruler. Marked 'Captain Field's Improved Parallel', it would have been used by RAF naviagtors and aircrew. It was made by Aston \u0026amp; Mander of London, who supplied navigational and other instruments to the British armed forces in both world wars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaptain Field's Improved Parallel Rule:\u003c\/strong\u003e The parallel ruler was invented around 1584 by Fabrizio Mordente, but it was not in common use until the 18th century. In the 19th century, Captain William Andrew Field (1796 – 1871) improved the traditional design of parallel ruler by adding a protractor style scale to the upper edge of one rule, and compass points to the opposing edge, which made reading bearings easier. These rulers were made of boxwood, ebony or ivory, and the instrument usually had two brass links.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAston \u0026amp; Mander:\u003c\/strong\u003e were established in London in 1779 at Old Compton St, Soho. They were manufacturers, wholesalers and exporters of mathematical drawing, surveying and scientific instruments. they specialised in tailors' squares, mathematical scales, rules, tailors' and cloth merchants' tools; anthropological and height measuring instruments, and scholastic geometrical sets and appliances.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ruler is in good original condition and full working order. There is some minor wear to the original brass finish of the hinges.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions :\u003c\/strong\u003e 460mm x 65mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":34182162824,"sku":"","price":39.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/Parallel_-_2.jpg?v=1493810815"},{"product_id":"ww1-war-poets-compass","title":"WW1 War Poet's Compass","description":"This compass is engraved with the name and regimental details of it's original owner, \u003cstrong\u003eCaptain Richard Molesworth Dennys (1884-1916)\u003c\/strong\u003e, one of the forgotten poets of the First World War. His initials are also stamped on the matching leather case. The compass will come with a very rare first edition of Richard Dennys collected poems, \u003cem\u003eThere is No Death\u003c\/em\u003e, published by The Bodley Head in 1917. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe compass is a rare Francis Barker \u0026amp; Son design known as \"The Guide\", which was a development of the \"Glow Needle\" design patented by the company in June 1906. \"The Guide\" combined features from several different Barker patents and first appeared in 1907. It was not standard military issue, and would have been a private purchase item, quite distinct from the Verner's Patent prismatic service compass which most officers carried. It was most probably acquired by Captain Dennys sometime between late 1914 and his departure for France in July 1915. With it large luminous-painted needle and robust hunter case it would have been well suited to use in the trenches. It would almost certainly have been with Richard Dennys on his last day in the front line on the Somme in July 1916, as he looked down the slope towards the vast mine crater outside La Boiselle.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDuring WW1 \u003cstrong\u003eRichard Dennys\u003c\/strong\u003e served with 'A' Company of the 1\u003cstrong\u003e0th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment.\u003c\/strong\u003e Before the war he had studied medicine at St Bartholemew's Hospital in London, qualifying as a Doctor in 1909. But he never practised, and by the summer of 1914 he was in Florence working in Gordon Craig's theatre school. As soon as war broke out he returned to England intending to join the Royal Army Medical Corps. For some reason he was told that medical men were 'not required' at the moment, so he sought a commission elsewhere and joined the 10th Loyal North Lancashire Regiment. To the surprise of his friends, he proved to be an exceptional soldier, promoted to Captain before the end of 1914 and being given command of a Company within a few months of his arrival in France. As his first Company Commander wrote: \"He was such a fine type. . . a splendid officer, for that I can better vouch than anybody else.\" And his friend and fellow officer Desmond Coke wrote: \"No work was too hard, no physical misery too great for him, if it made for the comfort or welfare of his men.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRichard Dennys had been a poet long before the First World War. When his collected work was published in \u003cem\u003eThere is No Death\u003c\/em\u003e (Bodley Head, 1917), several of his early poems were included. E. A. Osborn felt that some of them bore comparison to the work of Robert Louis Stevenson, sharing that great writer's \"sincerity and simplicity”. Like Wilfred Owen and many of the other war poets, Richard Dennys' life, and his art, seem to have been brought into sharp focus by the war, inspiring him to create his best work. As E. A. Osborn wrote in \u003cem\u003eThe New Elizabethans\u003c\/em\u003e, a study of some of the lesser-known poets of the war, published in 1919, \"But for the War we might never have known the true worth of Richard Dennys.\" During his year at the front, he produced several fine poems, including \u003cem\u003eBallads From Belgium\u003c\/em\u003e, which has echoes of Sassoon and Owen:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Last night within the crowded trench\u003cbr\u003eI and a friend lay side by side,\u003cbr\u003eWaiting through fitful dreams for dawn\u003cbr\u003eTo bring the flood of battle-tide.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTo-night upon the moon drenched plain,\u003cbr\u003e'Mid those who did not fear to die,\u003cbr\u003eThe friend I loved is lying still,\u003cbr\u003eHis wide eyes staring at the sky.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese lines, describing a dream of a ghostly column of dead soldiers, are reminiscent of Owen's \u003cem\u003eStrange Meeting\u003c\/em\u003e:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Before my eyes there passed a throng,\u003cbr\u003eA pale procession of the lately dead.\u003cbr\u003eHaggard with blood and sweat they moved along'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eBetter Far to Pass Away\u003c\/em\u003e is the poem for which Richard Dennys is best remembered today:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eBetter Far to Pass Away\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e While the limbs are strong and young,\u003cbr\u003e Ere the ending of the day,\u003cbr\u003e Ere Youth’s lusty song be sung.\u003cbr\u003e Hot blood pulsing through the veins,\u003cbr\u003e Youth’s high hope a burning fire,\u003cbr\u003e Young men needs must break the chains\u003cbr\u003e That hold them from their heart’s desire.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e My friends the hills, the sea, the sun,\u003cbr\u003e The winds, the woods, the clouds, the trees-\u003cbr\u003e How feebly, if my youth were done,\u003cbr\u003e Could I, an old man, relish these !\u003cbr\u003e With laughter, then, I’ll go to greet\u003cbr\u003e What Fate has still in store for me,\u003cbr\u003e And welcome Death if we should meet,\u003cbr\u003e And bear him willing company.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e My share of fourscore years and ten\u003cbr\u003e I’ll gladly yield to any man,\u003cbr\u003e And take no thought of \"where\" or \"when,\"\u003cbr\u003e Contented with my shorter span,\u003cbr\u003e For I have learned what love may be,\u003cbr\u003e And found a heart that understands,\u003cbr\u003e And known a comrade’s constancy,\u003cbr\u003e And felt the grip of friendly hands.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Come when it may, the stern decree\u003cbr\u003e For me to leave the cheery throng,\u003cbr\u003e And quit the sturdy company\u003cbr\u003e Of brothers that I work among.\u003cbr\u003e No need for me to look askance,\u003cbr\u003e Since no regret my prospect mars.\u003cbr\u003e My day was happy and perchance\u003cbr\u003e The coming night is full of stars.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJust before the start of the \u003cstrong\u003eBattle of the Somme\u003c\/strong\u003e on 1st July 1916, Richard Dennys wrote to Desmond Coke, who was in hospital with trench fever, describing a recent lucky escape:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"We've been having a fairly lively time in the trenches — two raids on the Boche by people close on our left with resulting bombardment on their part. Unpleasantly warm! My head-quarters dug-out was smashed to pieces the day before we took over, and during the 2nd bombardments the other to which I had repaired was buried in debris. A shell burst just near the door and you never saw such a mess! Bed a foot deep in earth, door blown in and utter confusion of all papers and things. Two shells through the mess kitchen and others in profusion all round. They have got Company H.Q. marked all right! There is much in the wind. You should have news of this part of the world at no distant date. . .\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis prediction proved to be very accurate. A few days into the battle, the 10th Loyal North Lancs were sent down to Albert and remained there in reserve. On 11th July they moved up to the trenches of the Tara Redoubt on Usna Hill, a low ridge directly opposite the German positions around La Boiselle. The battalion was ordered to send out offensive patrols with the aim of occupying enemy trenches near Contalmaison. Almost immediately, under sustained machine gun fire, they suffered heavy losses. On 12th July six officers became casualties, including Richard Dennys. He was evacuated to Hospital at Rouen where he died from his wounds on 24th July.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt was a tragic end to a life full of promise, like countless others lost in that brutal summer of 1916. But at least Richard Dennys seems to have been at peace with himself. The poems he left behind show that he had come to terms with, and accepted, whatever fate awaited him.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"With laughter, then, I'll go to greet\u003cbr\u003eWhat fate has still in store for me,\u003cbr\u003eAnd welcome Death if we should meet,\u003cbr\u003eAnd bear him willing company\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe compass is in very good condition and finds North very well. It is in full working order, with a fully functioning transit lock. The matching original leather case is in very good condition, with just the normal signs of age and use.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: 60mm diameter (excluding bow \u0026amp; loop) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e(\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e this compass is not available for shipping to the USA)","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":38869068424,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/R_M._Dennys_Compass_-_7.jpg?v=1499415252"},{"product_id":"j-h-steward-verners-patent-marching-compass","title":"J. H. Steward Verner's Patent Marching Compass","description":"\u003cp\u003e“A lull seemed to settle over all the earth . . . [until] the spell of comparative calm is broken by the enemy shelling the North end of Thiepval Wood. The shells were falling all around us [and] the candles in Battalion headquarters kept going out”.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrancis Bowen’s War Diary\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cem\u003eSomme, 1st July 1916\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA rare Verner's Patent marching compass, serial number 1353, made by J. H. Steward and dating from c.1895. The compass originally belonged to \u003cstrong\u003eLieut-Colonel Francis Osborne Bowen D.S.O.\u003c\/strong\u003e, commanding officer of of the 14th Royal Irish Rifles and 4th Battalion Royal Irish Regiment during WW1. The compass has Bowen's name, initials, and regiment written on the paper strip inside the lid, and his surname is also faintly visible on the top of the lid, just above the maker's details.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe compass has a brass case, marked with J. H. Steward's details, Verner patent markings, and the serial number 1353. It features a hand-painted compass card with a central area treated with 'Balmain's Luminous Paint' (patented by William Balmain in 1877), and a large black North marker. There is a transit lock operated by a sliding button, but this is no longer working. Another small button on the case operates a brake and this is working just as it should.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis compass is identical to one (serial no. 711) carried by Lieutenant C. J. Clerk during the famous charge of the 21st Lancers at the Battle of Omdurman. Another example of the Verner patent marching compass can be seen at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.compassmuseum.com\" title=\"compassmuseum.com\"\u003ecompassmuseum.com\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe compass is in very good condition and finds North well. The transit lock is no longer working, but in all other respects the compass is in full working order. The compass card, glass, and case are all in very good condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions :\u003c\/strong\u003e 55mm (75mm inc. loop)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrancis Osborne Bowen D.S.O. (1877-1948)\u003c\/strong\u003e was born at Hollymount, County Mayo, Ireland. In 1902 he was serving as an officer in the 3rd Battalion of the Connaught Rangers. By 1908 he was a Captain in the Royal Irish Regiment. In 1911 he was stationed in Jersey with the Royal Irish Regiment. He went out to France with the regiment in December 1914. During WW1 Francis Bowen served as the commanding officer of the 14th (Young Citizens) Battalion of the Royal Irish Rifles at the Battle of the Somme, before commanding the 4th Battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment from March 1918 to the end of the war. After WW1 he continued to serve in the army, going out to India in October 1924. Francis Bowen died at Clones, Ireland in June 1948. His war diaries and other papers are held at The National Archives at Kew (ref: CAB 45\/188).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLt-Colonel William Willoughby Cole Verner (1852-1922)\u003c\/strong\u003e served on the staff in the Egyptian campaign of 1884-85 and during the Boer War. He retired as a Lt-Colonel in May 1904. The earliest Verner designs were simple pocket compasses, with the various models of the Service Pattern, MK III to MK VII, appearing between c.1895-1918. His prismatic service compasses were essentially a development of the Schmalcalder patent design of the early 19th century, but they remained the standard service compass of the British Army until the start of WW2. As well as designing compasses, Verner was a prolific author, military historian, and chronicler of the Rifle Brigade.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42958947400,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/Bowen_Verner_compass_-_25.jpg?v=1502196636"},{"product_id":"ww1-christmas-truce-officers-compass","title":"1914 Christmas Truce Machine Gun Officer's Compass","description":"A very rare WW1 machine gun officer’s compass clinometer, in its original fitted leather case. It is signed on the front by\u003cstrong\u003e J. Halden \u0026amp; Co Ltd, Manchester \u0026amp; London\u003c\/strong\u003e, a well known scientific and mathematical instrument company, established in Manchester in 1878 by Joseph Halden. The compass comes complete with its fitted leather case, an original WW1 photograph of Lieutenant Brockbank in uniform, and his ‘housewife’ mending kit, which no doubt saw plenty of use in the trenches.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis compass is inscribed with the name and details of it's original owner, \u003cstrong\u003eLieutenant Charles Bertram Brockbank\u003c\/strong\u003e, 6th Cheshire Regiment and 118th M.G. Coy., one of the very few officers known to have been present at a \u003cstrong\u003e1914 'Christmas Truce’ football match\u003c\/strong\u003e. Lt Brockbank wrote a very detailed diary recording his service in the trenches of the Western Front from 1914 to November 1916. The diary includes his eyewitness account of the famous football match played between men of his battalion (attached to the 1st Norfolks at the time) and a German regiment, in no mans land near Wulverghem (close to Messines and Ploegsteert Wood), on Christmas Day 1914:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDec 24th:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'I have got a new rifle from the armourer in exchange for my old one so am very bucked with myself. Orders have just arrived saying we are to go into the trenches for Xmas-Day which from my point of view is very disappointing, I had been hoping to spend it in billets. I should hate to be killed on Xmas-day it would not be right at all. It is freezing hard now’.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDec 25th:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'I spent the most agonising night I ever remember, owing to the cold. It was freezing terribly hard and as we were in support trenches were not allowed fires. I was so cold and my feet so painful that I got out of the dugout and walked about, there was not much danger, stamping my feet till 4.30am, then was so fagged out I fell asleep but kept on waking owing to the pain of my feet, I quite thought I was frost-bitten. 7am. It was beginning to grow light but as there was a lot of mist I told the men they could light fires. They did not need telling twice. There is a farmhouse to the rear of the trenches where hens abound, also dead pigs, so taking two men with me we went on a henhunt. They fly like pheasants so took some catching and in about ten minutes there were about 60 men in the hunt. The fog lasted till about mid-day so we had good fun, getting in all eleven hens, one of which I brought back for tomorrow’s dinner.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNow for the extraordinary incident. At about 2.30 all firing ceased and the Germans started shouting to us “Come out”, “Have a drink”, and then one of them climbed out of the trench without his equipment on so one of ours did the same. It ended in a 'Mother’s Meeting', nearly every man of our trench, except machine gunners, was out and a huge crowd was between the trenches. Someone produced a little rubber ball so of course a football match started. We exchanged various things and I got a cap-badge, belt buckle, whistle, rifle cartridge, purse and tea tablets, not to mention getting about four Germans’ names and address in their own handwriting on field service postcards, as a positive proof that it all really did happen, because it will naturally sound a very tall story when it gets told in the billets.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLieutenant Brockbank’s diary featured in a special exhibition at the National Football Museum in Manchester in 2015. The diary is now held at the Cheshire Regiment Museum in Chester, and is also available to read online. Many newspaper articles have also been written about Lt Brockbank’s experiences in 1914. His account of the December 25th truce and football match was confirmed by the testimony of other men of the Cheshire Regiment who were there at the time, including Pte. Ernie Williams and Sgt. Major Naden.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLieutenant Charles Bertram Brockbank (1894-1976)\u003c\/strong\u003e served with 6th Battalion of the Cheshire Regiment and the 118th Machine Gun Company, M.G.C. He was commissioned in September 1914 and served in France and Belgium until November 1916. His last diary entry was on 12th Nov 1916: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘Sunday. Moved up to the Schwaben this afternoon and got a good idea of our “battle-positions”. The Huns put a fairly stiff barrage down on our position but did no great damage. We are to go over the top \u0026amp; take St Pierre Divion whilst the Royal Naval Division take Beaumont Hamel. It should be fairly exciting as we have to cross over a bare skyline'.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDuring the action on the following day, Lieutenant Brockbank was buried by a large shell and was then uncovered by another explosion. He was invalided home to England with shell-shock. On his release from hospital, he was posted to Harrowby Camp, M.G.T.C., Grantham as an assistant Quartermaster. He was due to go back overseas when the Armistice was signed.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe compass is in very good condition and finds North very well. It is in full working order, with a fully functioning transit lock. The spirit levels and flip up lenses are in full working order, and the main brass hinge is working very smoothly. The compass rule has 'Lt. Brockbank, 118th M.G. Coy.’ written on the rear. The matching original leather case is in very good condition, with just the normal signs of age and use. It is inscribed in ink on the rear ‘Lt. C. B. Brockbank, 118th Machine Gun Coy.’ The 'housewife' mending kit (including numerous buttons, needles, a thimble and two rolls of cotton) is in good condition, with general signs of use. The original portrait photograph of Lt. Brockbank is in good condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: 160mm x 48mm (compass diameter: 38mm), case 170mm x 50mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":506469974024,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/Brockbank_MGC_-_14.jpg?v=1516655032"},{"product_id":"ww1-general-staff-artillery-manual-1917","title":"WW1 General Staff Artillery Manual (1917)","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eARTILLERY NOTES\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIssued by The General Staff, G.H.Q.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWar Office, February 1917\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eH.M.S.O., London, 1917\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtillery Notes No.4\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/em\u003eis a rare original WW1 British Army manual, published in February 1917 by H.M.S.O. for the War Office. It includes a great deal of very useful information that an artillery officer would have needed to know in the front line in 1917. Subjects covered include: artillery in attack, ammunitiuon, air observation, anti-aircraft guns, reconnaissance, howitzers, creeping barrages, fortified positions, fire control, destruction of defences, wire cutting, targets, dug-outs, machine guns, bombardment, field artillery, rate of fire, shrapnel, and high explosive shells. The manual includes tables showing the amounts of ammunition required to achieve certain tasks, such as wire cutting, trench destruction, gas attacks, and destruction of machine gun emplacements.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn good condition. The card cover is in good condition, with minor signs of wear and a few marks. The stapled binding is secure; although the original staples are rusty. The text is in good condition, with some creases to page 17 and a few creased corners.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePublished: February 1917\u003cbr\u003eKhaki card covers with black titling\u003cbr\u003eDimensions : 120mm x 180mm\u003cbr\u003ePages: 40\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":6850162294836,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/Artillery_Notes_-_27.jpg?v=1518977842"},{"product_id":"vintage-silva-wrist-compass","title":"Vintage Silva Wrist Compass","description":"\u003cp\u003eA very good example of a vintage Silva 'Globe Trotter' wrist compass, dating from the mid 20th century, and probably made in the 1950's or 1960's. Made in Sweden, this type of compass was often issued to military personnel. It is a liquid filled design, with a rotating aluminium bezel. The compass has an aluminium case and red\/white needle with a luminous north marker. The leather strap is extra long (30cm), intended to be worn over military or mountaineering winter clothing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe compass is in good condition, ful working order,  and finds North very well. The bezel rotates smoothly. The leather strap is in good condition, with general signs of age and use.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions :\u003c\/strong\u003e 50mm diameter (strap: 300mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note\u003c\/strong\u003e: this compass is \u003cstrong\u003enot\u003c\/strong\u003e available for shipping to the \u003cstrong\u003eUSA\u003c\/strong\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":6963742834740,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/Silva_Wrist_compass_-_1.jpg?v=1520412910"},{"product_id":"lieutenant-charles-lutyens-cavalry-sketching-board","title":"Lieutenant Charles Lutyens Sketching Board Compass (1914)","description":"A WW1 Cavalry Sketching board, made by Houghton's Ltd of London in 1914. Various other designs of Cavalry sketching board were being produced around this time, including those by Lt-Col. Willoughby Verner, J. H. Steward, and Aston \u0026amp; Mander. The board is well made, of wood and brass, and features an integrated clinometer and swivelling leather wrist strap on the rear. This Sketching board belonged to \u003cstrong\u003eLieutenant Charles John Lionel Lutyens\u003c\/strong\u003e, the nephew of the celebrated Edwardian architect \u003cstrong\u003eSir Edwin Landseer Lutyens\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLieutenant C. J. L. Lutyens\u003c\/strong\u003e was educated at Rugby School, leaving at the end of 1914 to enter the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich. He was commissioned in the Royal Field Artillery in October 1915, went straight out to France, and was attached to the Royal Horse Artillery. He was invalided home in March 1916, but returned to the front in January 1917. In April Lt. Lutyens was severly wounded and was hospitalised in England. He returned to France once again on 9th September 1917, joining ‘A’ Battery of the 156th Brigade. On October 3rd, while controlling the fire of his battery, a shell landed almost at his feet. Very badly wounded, he died on the way to the first aid post. He was 21 years old. One of his fellow officers wrote that he was admired by everyone in his battery, “He was an exceptionally capable officer, and one of the most courageous it has ever been my good fortune to have known.” \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Sketching board comes with the rare volume five of \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eMemorials of Rugbeians who Fell in the Great War\u003c\/em\u003e (1919)\u003c\/strong\u003e which was privately printed for Rugby School by Philip Lee Warner and The Medici Society. Each volume contained the biographies and photographs of 100 old boys who were killed in the war. Volume Five covers the period May 3rd to December 3rd 1917, and includes the biography and photograph of Lieutenant Charles Lutyens who died on October 3rd. The book is lavishly produced, printed on wire laid paper, with excellent tipped in photographs. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e(Blue boards, cloth spine, unpaginated, but approx 300 pages, size: 205mm x 270mm) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Cavalry Sketching Board:\u003c\/strong\u003e was originally designed by Colonel W. H. Richards, who taught military surveying at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst c.1880. The board was improved by Major Willoughby Verner who was also briefly Professor of Topography at Sandhurst. Verner patented his own improvements in 1887 and 1891 and the board became known as Verner's. W. J. Bosworth patented further improvements in 1897, and versions of the board remained in use until around 1930. They were produced by several scientific instrument makers, including J. H. Steward, Aston \u0026amp; Mander, and Houghton’s Ltd.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCavalry Sketching Boards were designed to be strapped to the arm of an officer or cavalryman on the bridle arm. The board was attached to the arm by a leather strap with a swivel joint. This enabled the user to twist the whole board on their arm to align the compass accurately. The board incorporated a compass for taking bearings, and the sketch was made on a paper roll which was wound around one of the side rollers. As a sketch was completed, the paper roll was advanced to supply more paper. During WW1 the sketching board was often used by the artillery, cavalry, and pilots and observers of the Royal Flying Corps to make sketches of enemy positions and trenches.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe sketching board, compass, and clinometer are in good condition and full working order. There are some marks and general signs of wear and use on the woodwork and rollers, and some wear to the original leather wrist strap. The lower edge of the integral clinometer on the back of the board is inscribed \u003cstrong\u003e‘C. J. L. Lutyens’\u003c\/strong\u003e. The book \u003cem\u003eMemorials of Rugbeians who Fell in the Great War\u003c\/em\u003e (Vol 5) is in very good condition, with some marks to the boards.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimensions : Board: 185mm x 245mm, Compass: 30mm diameter\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":7363562438708,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/Lutyens_sketching_board_-_13.jpg?v=1521909920"},{"product_id":"air-ministry-secret-photography-manual-194x","title":"War Office Secret RAF Photography Manual (1940)","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCHARACTERISTIC AIR PHOTOGRAPHS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003eNot To Be Published\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003eNot To Be taken Into The Front Line\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003ePrepared by THE GENERAL STAFF,\u003cbr\u003eTHE WAR OFFICE, 1940\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: inherit; line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: inherit; line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: inherit; line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGENERAL STAFF, May 1940\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: inherit; line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: 160%;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\nA very rare, original, WW2 War Office Air Photography handbook, marked ‘Not to Be taken into the Front Line', produced by the General Staff in 1940. A large-format volume (32cm x 37.5cm), the preface states that: \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e‘This book is intended to make available to interpreters of air photographs some of the experience gained by the study of air photographs during this war, and to give some idea of the diversity of information obtained from this study.'\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe handbook consist of two parts, the first dating from 1940, and the second section being a supplement added in 1941. Fully illustrated throughout with detailed aerial reconnaissance photographs and diagrams, showing enemy fortifications, ports, equipment, field works, barges, aerodromes, installations, storage depots, examples of camouflage, weapons, and anti-aircraft batteries. This book would have had a restricted circulation, presumably being distributed to the relevant sections of the Army, Air Ministry, General Staff, and RAF. Few copies are likely to have survived outside museum collections. It was clearly an important and sensitive document at the time, and the cover is marked with additional warnings that it must not fall into enemy hands. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn good condition. The boards are in very good condition, with general signs of wear and light use, some wear at the edges and corners, and some minor marks. The binding is very good and secure. The photographs, diagrams, and text are in very good condition.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003ePublished: 1940 (includes 'Supplement No. 1', dated 1941)\u003cbr\u003eBlue Boards with black titling\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: 320mm x 375mm\u003cbr\u003ePages: 66","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":8690922946612,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/Air_Photographs_-_31.jpg?v=1528384787"},{"product_id":"francis-barker-m-88-prismatic-military-compass-4","title":"Francis Barker M-88 Prismatic Military Compass","description":"An excellent Francis Barker M-88 military prismatic marching compass, boxed and in mint condition. British made, these are standard issue to UK armed Forces and were used in Iraq and Afghanistan. Generally regarded to be one of the finest compasses available. It is much lighter than the classic M-73, but equal to it in terms of performance. It is dual use, being calibrated in both MILS \u0026amp; Degrees. It is NATO approved and stamped on the base with the NATO stock number 6605-99-225-8550.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e(\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note\u003c\/strong\u003e: this compass is \u003cstrong\u003enot\u003c\/strong\u003e available for shipping to the \u003cstrong\u003eUSA\u003c\/strong\u003e)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe compass is as new, boxed and in mint condition, and finds North very well. In full working order and the luminous night lights are working very well. It comes complete with its original lanyard and cardboard box.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimensions : 85mm x 60mm x 34mm","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":9082539835444,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/M88_July18_-_38.jpg?v=1531409651"},{"product_id":"lt-col-kitchin-dso-verners-service-pattern-compass-mk-vi","title":"Lt-Col Kitchin DSO | Verner's MK VI Compass | Gallipoli","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'He was a very brave officer, \u003cbr\u003eand was an inspiration to all near him.'\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn early version of the MK VI Verner's Service Pattern prismatic marching compass, dating from c.1905-1914. There are no maker's marks, but this is a high quality compass and was most probably made by F. Barker \u0026amp; Son, J. H. Steward or one of the other prominent scientific instrument manufacturers of the period. This compass is in very good condition, with some wear to the original oxidised and lacquered finishes of the brass case. It is in full working order. The compass has the name of the officer it originally belonged to,\u003cstrong\u003e 'C. E. Kitchin'\u003c\/strong\u003e, engraved on the edge of the lid, along with his unit, \u003cstrong\u003e'24th Regt'\u003c\/strong\u003e (South Wales Borderers).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLt-Col. Charles Edward Kitchin\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDSO\u003c\/strong\u003e (1877-1948) was an officer of the regular army, who served with the 4th Battalion South Wales Borderers. He was commissioned in 1897, joining the regiment as a second lieutenant. By 1898 he had been promoted to Captain and adjutant. During WW1 he fought at Gallipoli and in Mesopotamia, winning the D.S.O. for gallantry and being mentioned in despatches four times. Kitchin disembarked at Gallipoli on 28 June 1915 and saw a great deal of action during the ensuing campaign. During heavy fighting in the action at Damakjelik Bar on 6-7th August Captain Kitchin was in command of 'C' Company SWB. The regiment suffered numerous casualties from shrapnel and sniper fire before 'C' company led by Captain Kitchin, along with part of 'D' Company, carried out a daring bayonet charge which drove the enemy back 200yds, at a cost of 4 men killed, 6 officers and 72 men wounded. In August Captain Kitchin and 'C' Company were once again in the thick of the fighting, being instrumental in holding the line at HIll 60. Despite being slightly wounded, Kitchin remained with his men throughout. One of the officers present, Major C. G. Powles of the NZMR later wrote, describing the actions of Captain Kitchin: '[He] very gallantly assisted in holding the NZ trench on the night of August 21\/22nd. He was a very brave officer, and was an inspiration to all near him.' Kitchin went on to serve with distinction in the Mesopotamian campaign, during which he was badly wounded. By the end of the war he had risen to the rank of Lt-Colonel and commanded the 4th Battalion SWB. He finally left the army in 1932, retiring from the reserve of officers on 27th April.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCopies of the details I have of Lt-Colonel Kitchin's service will be included with the compass. With a little further research it should be possible to discover a great deal more about the military career of this distinguished and very courageous officer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Verner's MK VI\u003c\/strong\u003e was produced between c.1905-1914, and was standard issue to British officers at the start of WW1. It was replaced soon after the start of the war by later developments, such the MK VII. The mother-of -pearl compass card features black hand-painted markers over a luminous paint background. This type of luminous paint, most probably a version of 'Balmain's Luminous Paint' was a compound of calcium sulphide. The paint was made luminous by exposure to sunlight or, as suggested in the original instructions, by burning a strip of magnesium ribbon near the compass card. It was patented in England in 1877 by William Balmain, and was often used in compasses, before the introduction of radium paint rendered it obsolete just before WW1.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLt-Colonel William Willoughby Cole Verner (1852-1922)\u003c\/strong\u003e served on the staff in the Egyptian campaign of 1884-85 and during the Boer War. He retired as a Lt-Colonel in May 1904. The earliest Verner designs were simple pocket compasses, with the various models of the Service Pattern, MK III to MK VII, appearing between c.1900-1918. His prismatic service compasses were essentially a development of the Schmalcalder patent design of the early 19th century, but they remained the standard service compass of the British Army until the start of WW2. As well as designing compasses, Verner was a prolific author, military historian, and chronicler of the Rifle Brigade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe compass is in very good condition and full working order. The rubber friction ring on the base on the compass has been replaced with a new one in the same style and colour as the original.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions :\u003c\/strong\u003e 52mm (case diameter, 72mm inc. prism)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(\u003cem\u003ePlease Note: this compass is \u003cstrong\u003enot\u003c\/strong\u003e available for shipping to the \u003cstrong\u003eUSA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":9296824860724,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/Kitchin_compass_-_11.jpg?v=1545920022"},{"product_id":"antique-j-h-steward-surveyors-level","title":"Antique J. H. Steward Pocket Reflecting Sight Level","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn antique Pocket Reflecting Sight surveyors level made by J. H. Steward of London, probably c.1912. Sighting was carried out by looking through the eyepiece and viewing the reflection of the spirit level bubble in the internal mirror. Essentially, this is a simplified version of the Abney Level. The level is clearly marked 'J. H. Steward, 406 Strand, London'. The level comes with its original fitted leather case.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJames Henry Steward\u003c\/strong\u003e established his business in London in 1852. As a maker and retailer of optical, scientific, military and surveying instruments. J.H. Steward was the head optician of the company and had businesses at 406 Strand, 457 West Strand and 54 Cornhill in London. In the mid 1800s he became the optician to Her Majesty's Government and the National Rifle, and National Artillery Associations. James Henry Steward died in 1896. J. H. Steward Ltd was incorporated in 1912 and continued in business until the middle of the 20th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn good condition and full working order. With some cosmetic wear to the original blackened finish. The fitted leather case is in very good condition. The name and address of the original owner is written inside the case.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003e105mm length (leather case: 120mm length)\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":13217438957620,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/J_H_Steward_level_-_8.jpg?v=1538578174"},{"product_id":"ww1-huet-french-artillery-compass","title":"WW1 Huet French Artillery Rangefinder Compass","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a rare and unusual French military rangefinder and compass instrument, made by Huet of Paris c.1911-1920, and used during WW1 by French artillery units. This type of instrument was known as a\u003ci\u003e Sitomètre\u003c\/i\u003e (or \u003cspan style=\"font-style: italic;\"\u003esitogoniomètre\u003c\/span\u003e) in French and \u003ci\u003eSitometer\u003c\/i\u003e in Swiss German. The name comes from the French expression for elevation angle which is called \u003ci\u003eangle de site \u003c\/i\u003ewhile the azimuth angle is called \u003ci\u003eangle de gisement\u003c\/i\u003e. The angle of elevation of the target can be viewed through a small window when the case is held vertically, while the bearing from magnetic north (Decigrade scale) can be read through a separate window when the case is held horizontally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe instrument has an aluminium case (with the serial no. 1413), containing the rangefinder or Sitometre elements and the compass. The case carries the maker's mark, 'Huet, Paris' and is also labelled 'Decigrades'. This term refers to a French military system of compass bearings. Around the time of the start of WW1, France was experimenting with the use of milliemes (6400 in a circle) for use with artillery sights instead of decigrades (4000 in a circle). Britain was also experimenting with milliemes, to replace degrees and minutes. 'Mils', as they became known, were adopted by France, although the earlier decigrade system also remained in use throughout World War I. The United States, which copied many French artillery practices, was one of many countries which also adopted the 'Mils' system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe compass itself is tiny (just 15mm diameter), but a very well made instrument, with a jewelled pivot and delicate needle. The rear of the case features a ruler marked in centimetres, and a scale intended to be used with 1\/80,000 scale French military maps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe compass is in good condition, full working order, and finds North well. The Sitometer\/Rangefinder is in good condition and working order, with all the viewing windows clear and the scales legible. The spirit level element is in good working order. The aluminium case is in good condition, with just the usual signs of wear and use. The original fitted leather case is in good condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions :\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e80mm length, 40mm width, 8mm depth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":13804435537972,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/Huet_-_7.jpg?v=1625521498"},{"product_id":"antique-georgian-or-victorian-pocket-telescope","title":"Antique Georgian or Victorian Pocket Telescope","description":"An antique 19th century three draw pocket nautical telescope, Georgian or Victorian. The telescope is brass, with the main section covered in a very finely worked braiding, probably \u003cstrong\u003eBaleen\u003c\/strong\u003e, with rope work end pieces. There is a sliding eyepiece cover. Both the front lens element and the eyepiece can easily be unscrewed if required.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe telescope is in good condition and good working order. The three draws all operate well, although the final one is a little looser than the other two. The optics are nice and clear, with no marks or fungus, producing a good image. There is a small blemish or chip to the edge of the front lens element (see photos), but this has no effect on the function of the telescope and cannot be seen when looking through the telescope. There is a sliding eyepiece cover which is working well.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLength (closed): 125mm\u003cbr\u003eLength (fully open): 365mm\u003cbr\u003eFront lens: 23mm diameter\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":14299154022452,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/Telescope_-_1.jpg?v=1551623560"},{"product_id":"night-marching-compass-c-1880-1900","title":"Dollond Night Marching Compass c.1880-1900","description":"\u003cp\u003eA Dollond Night Marching type pocket compass, dating from c.1880-1900.  It may well have been intended for military use, as an officer's compass. The compass features an aluminium card with a large hand-painted North-South arrow, painted centre, and jewelled pivot. The card may have been painted with a luminous compound (most probably \u003cstrong\u003e‘Balmain’s Luminous Paint’\u003c\/strong\u003e), which was activated by exposure to very bright light, often created by burning a strip of magnesium ribbon. There is a sighting window in the lid and an additional sighting point in the loop. The compass has an oxidised brass case, a transit lock, and a manual brake. Compasses of this type are known to have been manufactured by \u003cstrong\u003eFrancis Barker\u003c\/strong\u003e before 1875, and it is quite likely that this example was made by Barker and retailed by Dollond, who would have engraved their own details on the lid. The compass is signed on the lid by \u003cstrong\u003e'Dollond, London’\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDollond and Company\u003c\/strong\u003e, (optical and scientific instrument maker): In 1750 \u003cstrong\u003ePeter Dollond\u003c\/strong\u003e opened a small optical business in Vine Street, Hatton Garden, London, under his father's guidance. By 1752 The business was sufficiently successful that \u003cstrong\u003eJohn Dollond\u003c\/strong\u003e, Peter's father, gave up silk weaving and went into partnership with his son in the optical business. In 1758 John Dollond obtained a patent on a compound lens for refracting telescopes. These lenses were described as achromatic, a term said to have been coined by Dr John Bevis. Although there was a dispute as to who had first invented the achromatic lens, Dollond certainly devised a quicker and simpler method of correcting the spherical aberration of lenses, as well as a method of measuring the lenses so that batches could be matched and achromatic doublet lenses reliably produced, thereby bringing the achromatic lens to market. In 1759 J. Dollond and Son opened a shop in the Strand. In 1761 John Dollond was appointed optician to George III and the Duke of York. In 1766 Peter went into partnership with his younger brother, John. They went onto supply optical instruments for Captain Cook and for Hadley. In 1781 Peter Dollond began making bifocal spectacles. John Dollond died in 1804 and Peter Dollond took his nephew \u003cb\u003eGeorge Huggins\u003c\/b\u003e into partnership; Huggins changed his name by licence to Dollond. The trading name of the business remained P. and J. Dollond. In 1819 George took over the company. In 1820 Peter and George were jointly made opticians to George IV. During the 1800s Dollond's sold the \u003ci\u003eCamera Lucida\u003c\/i\u003e, a drawing aid patented in 1806 by William Hyde Wollaston and manufactured by the Dollonds; and the \u003ci\u003eCamera Obscura\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1851 Dollond's were awarded a medal at the Great Exhibition for instruments for recording meteorological information on a strip of paper. In 1852 The younger George succeeded to the family business on his uncle's death; following the family tradition, he too adopted the surname Dollond. In 1866, when the second George Dollond died, the firm was taken over by his son, William (1834–1893). By 1871 William Dollond had become too ill to continue working and he sold the firm to J. R. Chant, a former employee, who retained the trading name of Dollond. During the early 20th century Dollonds sold film cameras, and in 1927 the firm was acquired by James Aitchison to become Dollond and Aitchison, after which it concentrated increasingly on prescription spectacles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\nIn very good original condition, and good working order. The compass finds north well. The oxidised finish of the case is in almost perfect condition. Unusually, the compass retains its original rubber friction ring on the base of the case. The compass card and glass are in very good condition. The transit lock and manual brake are working well. The lid fits perfectly and the hinge is strong. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: 55mm diameter (80mm inc. loop)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":14890083680308,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/Dollond_marching_-_3.jpg?v=1556282422"},{"product_id":"1917-j-h-steward-military-compass","title":"1917 J. H. Steward Military Compass","description":"\u003cp\u003eA nickel-plated brass cased J. H. Steward Mk VI military pocket compass, dated 1917. The compass card is marked 'J. H. Steward Ltd, London'. This type of card design was still being produced in the 1920's and several versions were offered for sale in Steward's 1928 catalogue. The design was a development of the classic Singer's Patent compass of the 1860's. The compass features a hand drawn paper compass card, agate jewelled pivot, thick bevelled glass, and a Dennison hunter case. This is a very unusual example of an officer's compass, as most of those designated 'MK VI' were produced from 1914-1916 and featured a simpler version of the Singer's design. I have never seen another WW1 compass that uses this particular and very distinctive J. H. Steward compass card. The brass ring surrounding the glass is another highly unusual feature. The compass is marked on the lid with the official British military 'broad arrow', showing that it was issued by the army, rather than being an officer's private purchase item.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJames Henry Steward\u003c\/strong\u003e established his business in London in 1852. As a maker and retailer of optical, scientific, military and surveying instruments. J.H. Steward was the head optician of the company and had businesses at 406 Strand, 457 West Strand and 54 Cornhill in London. In the mid 1800s he became the optician to Her Majesty's Government and the National Rifle, and National Artillery Associations. James Henry Steward died in 1896. J. H. Steward Ltd was incorporated in 1912 and continued in business until the middle of the 20th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn very good original condition, and good working order. The compass finds north well. The nickel plating of the case is in good condition. The compass card and bevelled glass are in very good condition. There is a little dust under the glass. The lid opens well and closes with a good firm snap. With broad arrow markings and 'Dennison, Birmingham, VI, 55334, 1917' engraved on the lid. The compass card is marked 'J. H. Steward, London'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: 45mm diameter (65mm inc. loop)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":14909200007220,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/1917_J_H_Steward_-_3.jpg?v=1556637420"},{"product_id":"ww1-rossignol-military-compass","title":"Rossignol Military Compass (1894)","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn extremely rare French artillery or survey compass dating from c.1894, invented by Camille Rossignol, a French officer and firearms expert. \u003cstrong\u003eCaptain Louis-Camille Rossignol (1851-1943)\u003c\/strong\u003e was a French officer and inventor, who served as 'Chef Armurier' with the 106th Régiment de Ligne in Châlons-sur-Marne. He is best known for designing an improved military compass system ('\u003ci\u003eMilitaire Perfectionnée'\u003c\/i\u003e), which he patented in 1894. This instrument was in use from the 1890s to the 1930s, and was still being offered by Société des Lunetiers (S-L) in their 1932 catalogue. Rossignol also invented automatic rifles and a machine-gun. He was awarded several decorations (the Médaille Militaire, the Médaille Coloniale, and the Légion d'Honneur) for this work and for his military service in North Africa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRossignol patented two compass systems. The first one, dating from 1885, included a clinometer as well as a compass and was known as the \u003ci\u003eBoussole militaire devant servir à diriger les troupes et au levé des plans \u003c\/i\u003e - Military compass for leading troops and survey tasks. The second instrument, dating from 1894\u003ci\u003e,\u003c\/i\u003e was the \u003cem\u003eBoussole militaire perfectionnée\u003c\/em\u003e - Improved military compass. It is a complex and rather unusual design which features a mirrored lid, with the mirror automatically held at an angle of 45° by means of a spring and a triangular cam. It also has a boom that includes the front element of the sight and two rulers. The sight's rear element is a notch in the housing of the compass bearing setting screw. The right-hand side ruler is marked with a distance measuring scale (1\/80,000, the scale generally used in French military maps at the time). The left side is a ruler marked in millimeters. The zero reference point of both rulers is located in the compass' centre, so that the divisions read 40 to 100mm and respectively 3 to 8 km. The compass capsule rotates, has a transparent base window made of horn, and a cross, one arm of which is painted black.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis compass has the maker's mark 'C. Rossignol, Chef Armurier, Bte. S.G.D.G.', on the top of the lid, and the serial number '52' on the rear sight. The low serial number shows that this compass was one of the first to be made, very probably around the time of the patent being filed in 1894. A very well made compass, with a jewelled pivot, blued needle, nickel plated brass case, and mirrored lid. It comes with its original leather case.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo take a bearing, the reflection of the compass needle is viewed in the mirrored underside of the lid, and the compass capsule is rotated until the black cross arm lies under the North pointer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFurther details of this type of artillery compass and the work of Camille Rossignol can be found at the excellent compassmuseum.com website.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe compass is in good condition, working order, and finds North well. The small compass bearing setting screw is missing from the rear sight housing, but this does not affect the functioning of the compass. The original leather case is in quite worn condition and has shrunk so that it no longer fits the compass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions :\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e130mm length, 55mm width, 16mm depth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":28873932472372,"sku":"","price":185.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/Rossignol_Compass_-_34.jpg?v=1762633715"},{"product_id":"ww1-1915-ed-koehn-military-compass","title":"WW1 Ed. Koehn Mk V Military Compass (1915)","description":"A rare WW1 British army officers Mk V pocket compass, dating from 1915. This type of compass was standard issue in the British army at the start of WW1, gradually being replaced by the various models of the Verner’s Pattern Prismatic Service Compass as the war progressed. This example has a very rare aluminium silver and black Singer’s type card design with a prominent 'N’ north marker (most Mk V army compasses were produced with a simpler black and white Singer's design, examples of which can be seen in Kornelia Takacs Compass Chronicles (Schiffer, 2010), p.69-70). The maker’s mark for ‘Ed. Koehn, Geneva, Switzerland’, the ‘V’ for Mark V, the date 1915, and the War Department ‘Broad Arrow’ mark are engraved on the lid. The compass has a nickel plated brass hunter case, floating aluminium compass card, jewelled pivot, and a transit lock operated when the lid is closed.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEd. Koehn:\u003c\/strong\u003e was a prominent Swiss watchmaker, known to have made high quality clocks and watches, with examples retailed by Tiffany \u0026amp; Co. During WW1 they supplied Mk V and Verner’s Pattern compasses to the British armed forces. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe compass is in good condition and finds North very well. The transit lock is present and working. The glass is in very good condition. The aluminium compass card is in excellent condition. The case is in good condition, with some wear to the original nickel plated finish and a few marks. The nickel plated finish inside the lid is in excellent condition. The small button at the bow (which when depressed should open the case) is missing, but the case still opens easily if a fingernail is pressed under the edge of the lid. The lid closes with a good firm snap and fits very well. The lid hinge is in very good condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: 45mm diameter (65mm inc. bow \u0026amp; loop), 15mm depth","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":30938037354635,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/WW1_Ed_Koehn_compass_-_12.jpg?v=1571821854"},{"product_id":"ww2-francis-barker-mk-iii-compass","title":"WW2 F. Barker Mk III Military Compass (1945)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 23.4667px; color: #585555;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 23.4667px; color: #585555;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11pt; font-weight: inherit; text-align: inherit;\"\u003eA WW2 F. Barker Mk III Military prismatic Compass, complete with a custom-made fitted wooden case, This compass was retailed by T.G. Co. Ltd (The Gramophone Company - part of the EMI group). On the underside of the compass are the serial number and a makers identification mark, together with the War Office broad arrow stamp. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-align: inherit;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"\u003eT.G. Co. Ltd compasses were made by F. Barker \u0026amp; Son (1932) Ltd, with the letter \u003c\/span\u003e‘\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"\u003eB\u003c\/span\u003e’\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11pt;\"\u003e applied as a prefix to the serial number to show that it was manufactured by Barker. The Mk III was first produced in 1932 and remained in production until the late 1960s. It was the standard issue British Army compass throughout WW2.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis compass has been completely overhauled and restored at sometime in the past, with its original black painted finish removed, the original luminous paint replaced, the inside of the lid painted white, and the brass case polished. There is a bubble in the fluid, but this can be temporarily hidden in the bubble trap by inverting the compass.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 23.4667px; color: #585555;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit;\"\u003eFurther details of the Mk III compass can be found in: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem style=\"font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit;\"\u003eTrade Mark London\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit;\"\u003e(p.247-9) by Paul Crespel, at the trademarklondon.com website\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #585555;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 23.46666717529297px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #585555;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 23.46666717529297px;\"\u003eThe compass is in good condition, good working order, and finds North well. \u003cspan style=\"font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit;\"\u003eThe brass case is in good condition, with general signs of wear and use. There is a bubble in the fluid, but this does not affect the function of the compass, and can be temporarily hidden in the bubble trap by inverting the compass. The luminous night lights have now expired and no longer 'glow in the dark'. The fitted wooden case is in very good condition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 23.46666717529297px;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #585555;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 23.46666717529297px;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e 58mm diameter (85mm inc. prism) x 30mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 23.46666717529297px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrancis Barker \u0026amp; Son\u003c\/strong\u003e: were established in London in 1848, as a maker of compasses and scientific instruments. Francis Barker produced a very wide range of compass designs over the years, supplying major retailers such as Negretti \u0026amp; Zambra, J. Lizars, C. W. Dixey, Dollond, and many others. The company prospered until 1932, when it was taken over and became F. Barker \u0026amp; Son (1932). After WW2 the company changed hands several times and the name is now carried by Pyser-Optics. They continue to produce the renowned Barker M-73, widely acknowledged to be the world's finest prismatic compass.         \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit; line-height: 23.4667px; color: #585555;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e***Please Note: this compass is \u003cbr\u003enot available for shipping to the USA***\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":31379191300235,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/Maker_MK_III_box_-_26.jpg?v=1582412088"},{"product_id":"francis-barker-registered-pocket-compass-c-1900","title":"Francis Barker Military Pocket Compass c.1900","description":"\u003cp\u003eA brass cased Francis Barker \u0026amp; Son pocket compass, dating from c.1900. Although there are no maker's marks, this compass is the 'Registered Dial, No. 355639' model which was made by Barker and featured in many Barker catalogues from c.1900 until the mid 1920s. Also known as 'The Owl', versions of this design were advertised before WW1 in British military handbooks as a compass suitable 'For NCO's and men'. At the turn of the century it sold for 3 shillings and sixpence. Further details of this Barker compass design can be found in: \u003cem\u003eTrade Mark London\u003c\/em\u003e (p.199-200) by Paul Crespel, and at the trademarklondon.com website.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe compass is in good condition, full working order and finds North very well. The brass case is in good condition, with wear to the original oxidised finish, and a couple of minor dings to the rear. The dial glass is in good condition. The compass card is in very good condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: 45mm diameter (60mm inc. loop)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrancis Barker \u0026amp; Son\u003c\/strong\u003e: were established in London in 1848, as a maker of compasses and scientific instruments. Francis Barker produced a very wide range of compass designs over the years, supplying major retailers such as Negretti \u0026amp; Zambra, J. Lizars, C. W. Dixey, Dollond, and many others. The company prospered until 1932, when it was taken over and became F. Barker \u0026amp; Son (1932). After WW2 the company changed hands several times and the name is now carried by Pyser-Optics of Edenbridge in Kent. They continue to produce the renowned Barker M-73, widely acknowledged to be the world's finest prismatic compass.","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":36140149932183,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/BarkerRegisteredcompass-17.jpg?v=1599665802"},{"product_id":"francis-barker-indian-army-compass-1906","title":"Francis Barker Indian Army Compass (1906)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA rare Francis Barker \u0026amp; Son military compass, dating from 1906. The compass card is marked 'F. Barker \u0026amp; Son, Makers London, 1906'. It also has the British War Department 'Broad Arrow' mark, over the letter 'I', indicating that this compass was supplied to the British army in India. The compass features a nickel-plated brass case, silvered compass card, agate jewelled pivot and English bar needle. The cardinal points are marked on the base dial, while the degrees are marked on a raised dial. There is a manually operated transit lock. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost of the compasses that were made by Barker were unsigned and were sold to other companies, who signed and sold them as their own products. Francis Barker \u0026amp; Son confined their activities mainly to wholesale supply to retailers and to the military, with the military compasses usually being signed by Barker. Further details of this type of compass can be found at Paul Crepsel's excellent trademarklondon.com, and also in his book \u003cem\u003eTrade Mark London\u003c\/em\u003e (p.121).\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrancis Barker \u0026amp; Son\u003c\/strong\u003e: were established in London in 1848, as a maker of compasses and scientific instruments. Francis Barker produced a very wide range of compass designs over the years, supplying major retailers such as Negretti \u0026amp; Zambra, J. Lizars, C. W. Dixey, Dollond, and many others. The company prospered until 1932, when it was taken over and became F. Barker \u0026amp; Son (1932). After WW2 the company changed hands several times and the name is now carried by Pyser-SGI. They continue to produce the renowned Barker M-73, widely acknowledged to be the world's finest prismatic compass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe compass is in very good condition, full working order, and finds north well. The nickel plated brass case shows minor signs of wear. The compass card, needle, and glass are all in very good condition, with some dust under the glass. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions :\u003c\/strong\u003e 45mm (65mm including loop)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39818238918807,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/BarkerIndianArmy-3.jpg?v=1618331980"},{"product_id":"j-h-steward-captain-dixons-military-compass-c-1900","title":"J. H. Steward Captain Dixon's Military Compass c.1900","description":"\u003cp\u003eA very rare J. H. Steward 'Captain Dixons' Patent Military Compass. dating from c.1900, the compass is in lovely, original condition, featuring a blackened or oxidised finish brass case with hand painted glass viewing windows, blued needle and jewelled pivot. The compass card is signed by J. H. Steward, and marked 'Captain Dixons Military Compass, No. 13'. It comes complete with its original fitted leather case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a 'Trough' or 'Plane Table' compass, a type of instrument first used in the early 19th century, and which saw extensive use during WW1. According to compassmuseum, 'A trough compass consists of a long, narrow rectangular box, covered with glass. Inside the box, at its centre, there is a magnetic needle resting on the pivot. At the extremities of the trough compass, there are (sometimes but not always) graduated scales with zero at the centre and degree markings on either side of the zero line. The trough compass is used for marking the magnetic north line on the drawing sheet of the plane table. In this case, the magnetic needle points to 0° - 0° of the graduated scale and a line drawn parallel to the edge of the trough compass is along the magnetic meridian. A trough compass is also used to orient the plane table with respect to the magnetic meridian'. During WW1 this type of compass was used for artillery work. A later example of the Dixon's Military compass can be seen at compassmuseum.com.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJ. H. Steward Ltd\u003c\/strong\u003e: James Henry Steward (1817-1896) established his business in London in 1852 as a maker and retailer of optical, scientific, military and surveying instruments. J.H. Steward was the head optician of the company and had businesses at 406 Strand, 457 West Strand and 54 Cornhill in London. In the mid 1800s he became the optician to Her Majesty's Government and the National Rifle, and National Artillery Associations. James Henry Steward died in 1896. J. H. Steward Ltd was incorporated in 1912 and continued in business in London until 1973. The main London office was sold in 1971, and from 1971-1973 the company rented premises in Catherine Street. All the remaining stock and long serving staff member George Goble (c.1916-1975) were moved to Catherine Street. The business finally moved to 154a Church Road, Hove, Sussex in 1973, before finally ceasing trading in 1975.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe compass is in very good condition, full working order and finds North very well. The original blackened finish of the case is in very good condition. The glass windows and needle are in very good condition. The leather case is in very good condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions :\u003c\/strong\u003e L: 70mm x W: 35xmm x H: 13mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41273504432279,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/CaptainDixonsCompass-16.jpg?v=1635357623"},{"product_id":"francis-barker-miniature-patent-no-75-compass","title":"Barker Miniature 'Patent No. 75' Compass","description":"\u003cp\u003eA very rare and unusual miniature brass cased Francis Barker \u0026amp; Son compass, probably dating from c.1900-1930. The compass is marked 'AW Patent No. 75' and 'B\u0026amp;S Maker'. Similar in size and style to the tiny compasses found on WW1-era Cavalry Sketching boards, this compass was very likely intended for a similar use - possibly with a Plane Table, or other surveying\/navigation board. The compass has an integral bracket and clamping screw which would have allowed it to be securely fixed to a table or board. It also features a rotating bezel and a transit lock. This compass card design is very similar to the 'Improved Colonial, No. 3014' design which was made by Barker and featured in many Barker catalogues from the 1890s until the mid 1920s. Further details of the 'Colonial' compass can be found in: \u003cem\u003eTrade Mark London\u003c\/em\u003e (p.236) by Paul Crespel, and at the trademarklondon.com website. It also features in Kornelia Takac's book \u003cem\u003eCompass Chronicles\u003c\/em\u003e on p.68.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe compass is in very good condition, full working order and finds North very well. The case is in very good condition and the glass is in excellent condition. The aluminium compass card is in good condition, with some tarnishing. The pointer is a very fine English Bar Needle with a jewelled pivot. The transit lock is present and fully functional. The clamping screw moves exactly as it should, extending and closing very well. The compass is marked 'AW Patent No. 75' and 'B\u0026amp;S Maker'.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: 30mm diameter x 35mm length (50mm with screw extended)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrancis Barker \u0026amp; Son\u003c\/strong\u003e: were established in London in 1848, as a maker of compasses and scientific instruments. Francis Barker produced a very wide range of compass designs over the years, supplying major retailers such as Negretti \u0026amp; Zambra, J. Lizars, C. W. Dixey, Dollond, and many others. The company prospered until 1932, when it was taken over and became F. Barker \u0026amp; Son (1932). After WW2 the company changed hands several times and the name is now owned by Pyser Optics, based at Edenbridge in Kent. They continue to produce the renowned Barker M-73, widely acknowledged to be the world's finest prismatic compass.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41330384699543,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/BarkerClampNov-35.jpg?v=1717173973"},{"product_id":"j-h-steward-british-army-protractor-1935","title":"J. H. Steward British Army Protractor (1935)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA rare J. H. Steward military protractor, dating from 1935. The semi-circular celluloid protractor is in very good, original condition, and comes complete with its original card-backed envelope. It was posted direct from J. H. Steward on 29th August 1935 to a Major R. H. Wilson of Westbourne Terrace, London.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis type of military protractor was used by artillery and machine gun officers during WW1 and WW2. It is marked with various scales and has the 1915 dated Patent Number 11465. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJ. H. Steward Ltd\u003c\/strong\u003e: James Henry Steward (1817-1896) established his business in London in 1852 as a maker and retailer of optical, scientific, military and surveying instruments. J.H. Steward was the head optician of the company and had businesses at 406 Strand, 457 West Strand and 54 Cornhill in London. In the mid 1800s he became the optician to Her Majesty's Government and the National Rifle, and National Artillery Associations. James Henry Steward died in 1896. J. H. Steward Ltd was incorporated in 1912 and continued in business in London until 1973. The main London office was sold in 1971, and from 1971-1973 the company rented premises in Catherine Street. All the remaining stock and long serving staff member George Goble (c.1916-1975) were moved to Catherine Street. The business finally moved to 154a Church Road, Hove, Sussex in 1973, before finally ceasing trading in 1975.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe protractor is in very good original condition. The envelope is in very good condition, with a few marks.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions :\u003c\/strong\u003e L: 200mm x W: 120xmm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41566726979735,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/StewardProtractor-12.jpg?v=1761768696"},{"product_id":"j-h-steward-military-compass-clinometer","title":"J. H. Steward Military Compass Clinometer (1915)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA very fine example of a 1915 WW1 J. H. Steward Military Compass Clinometer, also known as an 'Angle of Sight Instrument'. This instrument was patented jointly by J. C. Asten and Francis Barker \u0026amp; Son Ltd in 1909 as the 'Patent Combined Altitude Instrument and Prismatic Compass'. (Barker had previously patented a similar prismatic compass and clinometer instrument in 1881). Dating from 1915, this compass is in museum condition, featuring a blackened or oxidised finish brass case with green compass card and white clinometer scale card. The compass case is signed by J. H. Steward, although it was very probably made by Francis Barker \u0026amp; Son, and retailed by Steward. The case is also marked 'Angle of Sight Instrument', serial No. 119, and has the British War Office 'broad arrow' stamp, denoting that it was official military issue, rather than an officer's private purchase item. During WW1 and WW2 this type of compass was used for artillery work. Further information can be found at trademarklondon.com (p.125 of the online edition of \u003cem\u003eTrade Mark London\u003c\/em\u003e) and at compassmuseum.com.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJ. H. Steward Ltd\u003c\/strong\u003e: James Henry Steward (1817-1896) established his business in London in 1852 as a maker and retailer of optical, scientific, military and surveying instruments. J.H. Steward was the head optician of the company and had businesses at 406 Strand, 457 West Strand and 54 Cornhill in London. In the mid 1800s he became the optician to Her Majesty's Government and the National Rifle, and National Artillery Associations. James Henry Steward died in 1896. J. H. Steward Ltd was incorporated in 1912 and continued in business in London until 1973. The main London office was sold in 1971, and from 1971-1973 the company rented premises in Catherine Street. All the remaining stock and long serving staff member George Goble (c.1916-1975) were moved to Catherine Street. The business finally moved to 154a Church Road, Hove, Sussex in 1973, before finally ceasing trading in 1975.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe compass is in excellent, near mint condition, full working order and finds North very well. The clinometer is in full working order. The original blackened finish of the case is in excellent condition. The glass windows, prism, sights, and both compass and clinometer cards are in excellent condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions :\u003c\/strong\u003e 75mm diameter (100mm inc. prism), 20mm depth\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41777050189975,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/StewardAngleofsightcompass-21.jpg?v=1645529924"},{"product_id":"w-f-stanley-prismatic-naval-compass-c-1960","title":"Stanley Prismatic Naval Compass c.1960","description":"\u003cp\u003eA Stanley prismatic naval compass, dating from c.1960. This compass is in excellent, near mint condition, featuring a distinctive battleship grey enamel painted brass case with a finely engraved aluminium compass card. In 1861 W. F. Stanley patented a number of improvements in the use of aluminium in the manufacture of mathematical and scientific instruments, and he was one of the first to produce this type of cutaway aluminium compass card. The compass has a transit lock operated when the sights are folded down, and black and green coloured sun filters at the prism. It is signed on the lid by 'Stanley, London'. It comes complete with its very well made, fitted leather clamshell type case. This type of compass was used for military, survey, and artillery work. Although there are no military markings, the battleship grey painted finish is often seen in Royal Navy instruments and equipment issued during and after the Second World War. Stanley were well known as suppliers of this type of equipment to the Royal Navy and M.O.D. throughout the 20th century.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWilliam Ford Stanley\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e (1829 - 1909):\u003c\/strong\u003e was a British inventor with 78 patents filed in both the United Kingdom and the USA. He was an engineer who designed and made precision drawing and mathematical instruments, as well as surveying instruments and telescopes, manufactured by his company, William Ford Stanley and Co. Ltd. Stanley was a skilled architect who designed and founded the UK's first Trades School. He was also a noted philanthropist, who gave over £80,000 to education projects during the last 15 years of his life. When he died, most of his estate, valued at £59,000, was bequeathed to trade schools and students in south London, and he left one of his houses to be used as a children's home. Stanley was a member of several professional bodies and societies, including the Royal Society of Arts, Royal Meteorological Society, and Royal Astronomical Association. Besides these activities, he was a painter, musician and photographer, as well as an author of a variety of publications, including plays, books for children, and political treatises.\n\u003cp\u003eStanley started his business in 1854 with just £100, making mathematical and drawing instruments at 3 Great Turnstile, Holborn, London. Stanley produced a 'Panoptic Stereoscope' in 1855, which was financially successful, allowing him to expand his business with additional shops at 3–4 Great Turnstile and 286 High Holborn. He did not patent the Panoptic, so it was soon copied around the world, but he had sold enough to provide the capital required to manufacture scientific instruments.\u003csup id=\"cite_ref-akpan-ch4_8-5\" class=\"reference\"\u003e \u003c\/sup\u003eStanley brought out the first catalogue of his products in 1864.\u003csup id=\"cite_ref-akpan-ch4_8-6\" class=\"reference\"\u003e \u003c\/sup\u003eBy the fifth edition, Stanley was able to list important customers such as several government departments, the Army, Royal Navy, railway companies at home and abroad, and London University. From 1865, he worked on improving surveying instruments, including designing a new type of theodolite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStanley designed and set up a new factory in 1875 (called \u003ci\u003eThe Stanley Works\u003c\/i\u003e, it was listed in the 1876 Croydon Directories as \u003ci\u003eStanley Mathematical Instruments\u003c\/i\u003e) in Belgrave Road, London, which produced a variety of instruments for civil, military, and mining engineers, prospectors and explorers, architects, meteorologists and artists. The firm finally moved out of the factory in the 1920s. By 1881, Stanley was employing 80 people and producing 3,000 technical items, as detailed in his catalogue.\u003csup id=\"cite_ref-cg-legacy_9-3\" class=\"reference\"\u003e \u003c\/sup\u003eIn 1885, Stanley was awarded a gold medal at the International Inventors Exhibition at Wembley. The rapid growth of his business led to the opening of branches at Lincoln's Inn, London Bridge, and South Norwood. The catalogue for 1891 refers to the company having 17 branches, with over 130 workmen. By the start of the 20th century the company was reputed to be the largest instrument maker in the world. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter Stanley's death in 1909 the company continued to expand, moving to a factory in New Eltham (\u003ci data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Stanley Scientific Instrument Works\u003c\/i\u003e) in 1916.\u003csup data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-akpan-ch10_32-3\"\u003e \u003c\/sup\u003eDuring WW1 the factory was requisitioned by the government.\u003csup data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-akpan-ch10_32-4\"\u003e \u003c\/sup\u003eBetween the wars, W. F. Stanley continued to expand its position in the market place for quality surveying instruments, although it was requisitioned again by the British Government during WW2.\u003csup data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-akpan-ch10_32-5\"\u003e \u003c\/sup\u003eAfter the war, the company continued to expand, participating in many large projects – the \u003cem\u003eRMS Queen Mary\u003c\/em\u003e and Royal Navy ships used the company's compasses and other navigational instruments.\u003csup data-mce-fragment=\"1\" class=\"reference\" id=\"cite_ref-akpan-ch10_32-6\"\u003e \u003c\/sup\u003eThe company finally went into liquidation in July 1999 – mainly due to decllining export orders, and the loss of Ministry of Defence orders following the end of the Cold War. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe compass is in excellent, near mint condition, with virtually no signs of wear or use. In full working order and finds North very well. The original battleship grey painted finish of the case is in excellent condition. The glass, prism, sights, filters, and aluminium compass card are in excellent condition. The leather case is in excellent condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions :\u003c\/strong\u003e 110mm diameter (125mm inc. prism), 30mm depth\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41779348603031,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/StanleyGreyNavycompass-16.jpg?v=1645545428"},{"product_id":"german-marschkompass-drp-1938","title":"Stockert \u0026 Sohn 'Marsch-Kompass Jugend' c.1950","description":"\u003cp\u003eA German \"Marsch-Kompass' (Marching Compass), made by Stockert \u0026amp; Sohn c.1950. There were three versions - this is the \"Youth\" model. This type of compass design originated in Germany in the 1930s and a version was adopted as the official compass of the 'HJ' (Hitler Youth). It is similar to other models by the same manufacturer that were used by the Wehrmacht during WW2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral different versions of the Marsch-Kompass continued to be manufactured just after the end of WW2: including the \"Kommit\" the \"Pathfinder\" and the \"Jugend\" (Youth)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis compass is a \"Jugend\", and has a white rotating chapter ring, aluminium and bakelite case, a blued needle with a luminous painted North point, and luminous cardinal point markers. (The paint is no longer luminous). With a folding, highly polished, metal sighting mirror, and a ruler marked on the side of the case. The compass is marked 'Germany', stamped onto the front edge of the case. The compass comes complete with its original box and instructions leaflet.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe compass is in good condition and finds North well. With some signs of age and use. Marked 'Germany' on the case. The box and instructions leaflet are in very good condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions :\u003c\/strong\u003e 50mm x 50mm \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42732396937367,"sku":"","price":89.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/products\/Kommitcompass-15.jpg?v=1669308423"},{"product_id":"mica-dial-military-compass-c-1877","title":"Barker Mica Dial Military Compass c.1877","description":"\u003cp\u003eA rare Barker military night marching 'Mica Dial' compass, dating from c.1877. This particular design features a very unusual transparent mica compass card. The mica is totally transparent and very thin, with a hand-painted compass rose, triangular black North marker and circular South marker. The compass has a jewelled pivot, brass hunter case and automatic transit lock. The case would originally have had an oxidised or bronzed finish, and this can still be seen inside the lid. There is also a paper sighting line inside the lid. The sighting line and the paper insert below the mica dial were painted with a luminous compound, most probably an early version of 'Balmain's Luminous Paint', a compound of Calcium Sulphide which was patented by William Balmain in 1877. The paint was made luminous by exposure to sunlight or burning a strip of magnesium ribbon near the compass. The combination of a fully transparent dial and the luminous interior of the case made this type of compass particularly suitable for night marching and military use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough there are no maker's marks or retailer's details on the compass, the Mica Dial was a well-known Francis Barker design that first appeared around 1865. Military prismatic compasses of a similar design, such as the 'Major Sawyer's Prismatic and Luminous Compass', were also retailed by J. H. Steward in the 1890's, and these were clearly a development based on the earlier Barker design. Major Sawyer, of the War Office Intelligence department, had approached Steward with his suggestions for a new military compass after his experiences in the Sudan in the 1880's. From the 1890's until around 1905 Steward sold Major Sawyer's prismatic design and also the non-prismatic 'Steward's Military Compass', which shared many of the Mica Dial's design characteristics, but relied on the 1860's Singer's Patent style of compass card for its night marching function.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(Further details of the Barker Mica Dial compass design can be found in Paul Crespel's excellent book \u003cem\u003eTrade Mark London\u003c\/em\u003e, available to view as a PDF at trademarklondon.com)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrancis Barker \u0026amp; Son:\u003c\/strong\u003e were established in London in 1848, as a maker of compasses and scientific instruments. Francis Barker produced a very wide range of compass designs over the years, supplying major retailers such as Negretti \u0026amp; Zambra, J. Lizars, C. W. Dixey, Dollond, and many others. The company prospered until 1932, when it was taken over and became F. Barker \u0026amp; Son (1932). After WW2 the company changed hands several times and Barker compasses are now manufactured by Pyser Optics at Edenbridge in Kent. They continue to produce the renowned Barker M-73, widely acknowledged to be the world's finest prismatic compass.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe compass is in very good condition, full working order, and finds North well. There is some minor wear to the brass case. The lid closes very well, and the hinge is strong. The mica compass card is in very good condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimensions : 55mm diameter (75mm including loop)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43258587545751,"sku":null,"price":275.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/files\/MICADIAL2023-32.jpg?v=1692451311"},{"product_id":"ww1-german-shell-case-trench-art-dinner-gong","title":"WW1 German Shell Case Trench Art Dinner Gong","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; color: #808080;\"\u003eA rare German army 7.7cm Field Gun shell case dinner gong, on a wooden base. The brass shell case dates from 1910, and is stamped on the base with various reference numbers and markings, including: ’Rh M F, ‘68’, ’Sep 0\/10’, ‘Crown 27’, ’St’, and ‘Dusseldorf'. 'Rh MF’ stands for the manufacturer - the Rheinische Munitions Fabrik, ’St’ means the shell case was strengthened, the Crown mark and number 27 are the Prussian acceptance stamps, and ’68’ is the lot number.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; color: #808080;\"\u003eThe case is suspended above its wooden base by a clever combination of a metal pin inside the case (sited where the primer would have been) which locates inside a metal tube on the base (see photos). The case then ‘floats’ just above the brass plate on the wooden base. The whole thing has been very well done and the result is a very unusual, and highly decorative item.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; color: #808080;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e7.7cm F.K. 96 Gun: \u003c\/strong\u003eThe The 7.7 cm Feldkanone 96 neuer Art (7.7 cm FK 96 n.A.) was a field gun used by Germany in WW1. The gun combined the barrel of the earlier 7.7 cm FK 96 with a recoil system, a new breech and a new carriage. Existing FK 96s were upgraded over time. The FK 96 n.A. was shorter-ranged, but lighter than the French Canon de 75 modèle 1897 or the British Ordnance QF 18 pounder gun. The Germans placed a premium on mobility, which served them well during the early stages of WW1. However, once the front had become static, the greater rate of fire of the French gun and the heavier shells fired by the British gun put the Germans at a disadvantage. The Germans remedied this by developing the longer-ranged, but heavier 7.7 cm FK 16. As with most guns of its era, the FK 96 n.A. had seats for two crewmen mounted on its splinter shield. The 7.7 cm gun remained in service with the armies of Finland, Poland, Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia until the 1930s.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn very good condition, with minor signs of wear and use and some small marks. The shell case is in very good condition, and the markings on the base are crisp and clear. The wooden base is in very good condition.\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; color: #808080;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrass Case base diameter:\u003c\/strong\u003e 91mm, Shell case length: 227mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWooden base:\u003c\/strong\u003e 150mm x 150mm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43275003658391,"sku":null,"price":200.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/files\/Germanshellcasegong-35.jpg?v=1756370453"},{"product_id":"raf-negretti-zambra-isothermal-altimeter-c-1950","title":"Negretti \u0026 Zambra Isothermal Altimeter c.1955","description":"\u003cp\u003eA very rare British military issue Negretti \u0026amp; Zambra precision Isothermal Altimeter, serial no.P\/113135, made in England c.1955.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #808080;\"\u003eThe altimeter has a 12cm (4.75in) diameter white enamelled dial calibrated in metres, with the markings 'Height,' 'Metres' and 'Isothermal (50°F) Metres, H=19075.5 Log (29.9\/P),' a very finely made lightweight aluminium pointer, and a bevelled glass within a rotating bezel. The dial is signed 'Negretti \u0026amp; Zambra, London', and has the serial number P\/113135. Set into the centre of the dial is a thermometer calibrated in degrees Fahrenheit with a range from 0-120°. The altimeter is housed in a very heavy nickel-plated brass drum type case, marked 'Service Part No W.10\/WK.00152', on the base, above a large broad arrow government military service-issue mark\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\" property=\"description\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"line-height: 160%;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"line-height: 160%;\"\u003e. These markings suggest that it was originally issued to the British army, although the blue-grey colour scheme of the case looks like that often seen on RAF equipment. Negretti \u0026amp; Zambra specialized in aircraft and aviation instruments and manufactured a variety of instruments for the Ministry of Munitions in WW1 and the Air Ministry in WW2.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #808080;\"\u003eThe altimeter comes complete with its original foam-lined. grey painted, aluminium transport case, with matching serial and service part numbers, broad arrow mark, and milled screw lid lock. The exterior of the case has metal loops for the webbing shoulder strap. There are three screw holes in the base, which may be a later modification. Inside the lid there is a Negretti \u0026amp; Zambra label, and a clip for a small adjustment screwdriver. On the exterior of the lid there is a 1993 dated calibration label. The case also has a separate circular metal plate with three screw holes and a foam centre. This may have been intended to fit inside the lid to provide extra protection for the altimeter whilst in transit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNegretti \u0026amp; Zambra: \u003c\/strong\u003eNegretti \u0026amp; Zambra of London were highly successful scientific and optical Instrument makers throughout the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Henry Negretti (1818-1879) and Joseph Zambra (1822-1897) formed their partnership in 1850. The company produced scientific and optical instruments and also had a photographic studio based in London. They were appointed opticians and scientific instrument makers to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, King Edward VII, the Royal Observatory and the British Admiralty. Henry Negretti was the first man to take aerial photographs of London from a balloon. Throughout World War One Negretti \u0026amp; Zambra produced instruments for the Ministry of Munitions and developed many instruments for the Air Ministry, including a mercury-in-steel distance thermometer for taking oil and air temperatures in aircraft which was patented in 1920. Their work with the Ministry of Munitions between 1914-18 saw significant innovation in the field of early aviation instruments. After WW1 much of the company’s output was concentrated on projects for the Air Ministry. During WW2 Negretti \u0026amp; Zambra made thermometers and boost gauges for the RAF's Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster aircraft. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eIn 1950 Negretti \u0026amp; Zambra had 821 employees in Britain, and by 1961 the workforce had increased to over 1200, manufacturing industrial, scientific, meteorological and aeronautical instruments and aero-engine controls. By the 1980s the company's fortunes had declined and they finally ceased trading in 1985.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe altimeter is in very good condition, full working order, and passes the plastic bag test. The integral thermometer is in good working order. The dial, glass, bezel and pointer are all in very good condition. The nickel plated brass case is in very good condition with some marks. The aluminium transit case is in good condition, with general signs of wear and use and some marks. There is some wear to the painted finish of the base. The interior foam lining is in good condition, although the foam is quite old and inflexible. The webbing shoulder strap is in good condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAltimeter: 120mm (diameter), \u003cbr\u003eTransit Case: 180mm (diameter) x 110 (height)\u003cbr\u003eWeight: 3kg\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43574947774615,"sku":null,"price":420.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/files\/NegrettiIsothermalBarometer-41.jpg?v=1707392520"},{"product_id":"ww1-kamm-mk-v-military-compass-1915","title":"WW1 Kamm \u0026 Co Mark V Military Compass (1915)","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; font-size: inherit; font-weight: inherit;\"\u003eA WW1 British Army Mark V nickel-plated brass pocket compass, supplied by L. Kamm \u0026amp; Co. of London in 1915. This compass has the British military ‘broad arrow’ mark engraved on the lid, showing that it was official government issue, rather than a private purchase item. It also has the serial number 19949 and is dated 1915. This is a very early \u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit;\"\u003eKamm serial number - the earliest previously documented Kamm serial number was 20553. Like most Mk V compasses, this one has a Dennison case, identified by \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; text-align: inherit;\"\u003ea case number that is stamped on the inside of the lid and also has the last four digits stamped on the rim of the lower part of the case, probably to ensure the case and lid matched. This particular compass is unusual in that although it has the Dennison numbers, it also has a type of bow mount and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; text-align: inherit;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;\"\u003einsert screws on the base of the case that are not often seen on Dennison cases. During 1915 only four companies are known to have been supplying this type of compass to the military - Kamm \u0026amp; Co., Sherwood, Ed Koehn, and the Anglo Swiss Association. The compass card design is the classic Singer’s Patent type with a jewelled pivot, widely used by the military before being largely replaced by the Verner’s Patent Prismatic compass around the start of WW1.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;\"\u003e\u003cb style=\"box-sizing: border-box;\"\u003eL. Kamm \u0026amp; Co\u003c\/b\u003e: was founded by the typewriter manufacturer and early motion picture pioneer Leonard Ulrich Kamm in 1892. Kamm designed and produced the Kammatograph, a combination camera and projector. The company manufactured electrical equipment, early lantern slide projectors, Kinematographs and cinematography cameras, projectors and equipment. They had a factory in London at 27 Powell Street, Goswell Road, Finsbury, and offices at 25 Cecil Court, Westmiinster.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; caret-color: currentcolor; text-align: inherit; line-height: 24px;\"\u003eSinger’s Patent compass: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; text-align: inherit;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;\"\u003eSamuel Berry Singer (1796 - c.1875) was a master mariner from Southampton when he patented his unique design in July 1861. Its high contrast design was intended to be much easier to read in low light than conventional compasses of the time. Although Singer’s design was widely used, with examples being produced by all the major compass makers of the Victorian era, Singer did not benefit greatly from his invention, the patent lapsed in 1868, and he ended his days living in poverty in Kincardine on the Firth of Forth in Scotland. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;\"\u003eCondition:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;\"\u003eIn very good condition and good working order, the compass finds North very well. The nickel plating of the brass case is in good condition, with some minor wear and a few marks. The glass and compass card are in very good condition. The case hinge is strong, the push button opens the lid as it should, and the lid closes with a good firm snap.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"box-sizing: border-box;\"\u003eDimensions : \u003c\/strong\u003e45mm diameter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44292953800855,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/files\/Kamm1915compass-20.jpg?v=1717090607"},{"product_id":"j-h-steward-mk-vi-patent-compass-1902","title":"J. H. Steward Patent Compass (1902)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn early version of the Mark VI Verner's Patent prismatic marching compass, with the maker's mark 'J. H. Steward, London', the date 1902,\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eand the serial number '779' engraved on the lid. This may be one of the very first Mk VI type compasses to be made, as almost all the known examples date from c.1905 onwards. This particular example is very unusual in that it has the card degree markings and case design usually seen in both the Mk IV and V Verner's - but not in the Mk VI. Yet it also has the distinctive painted centre and cardinal points of the Mk VI. It is possible that this compass may have been a transitional design, using parts from the earlier models, before the Mk VI design was finalised. Further details of Verner's compass dating can be found at compasscollector.com.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Verner's Mk VI was produced between c.1905-1914, and was standard issue to British Officers at the start of WW1. Versions of the design were produced by several makers, including J. H. Steward and Francis Barker \u0026amp; Son. It was replaced soon after the start of the war by later developments such as the Mk VII. This example features a mother of pearl compass card, with a central section with black hand-painted markers over a luminous painted paper background. The type of luminous paint used was most probably a version of 'Balmain's Luminous Paint' - a compound of calcium sulphide, made luminous by exposure to sunlight or, as suggested in the original instructions, by burning a strip of magnesium ribbon near the compass card. It was patented in England in 1877 by William Balmain, and was often used in compasses, before the introduction of Radium paint rendered it obsolete just before WW1. There are no 'broad arrow' service markings on the compass, so it may well have been an officer's private purchase item. The compass comes complete with its original fitted leather case.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJ. H. Steward Ltd\u003c\/strong\u003e: James Henry Steward (1817-1896) established his business in London in 1852 as a maker and retailer of optical, scientific, military and surveying instruments. J.H. Steward was the head optician of the company and had businesses at 406 Strand, 457 West Strand and 54 Cornhill in London. In the mid 1800s he became the optician to Her Majesty's Government and the National Rifle, and National Artillery Associations. James Henry Steward died in 1896. J. H. Steward Ltd was incorporated in 1912 and continued in business in London until 1973. The main London office was sold in 1971, and from 1971-1973 the company rented premises in Catherine Street. All the remaining stock and long serving staff member George Goble (c.1916-1975) were moved to Catherine Street. The business finally moved to 154a Church Road, Hove, Sussex in 1973, before finally ceasing trading in 1975.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLt-Colonel William Willoughby Cole Verner (1852-1922): \u003c\/strong\u003ewas a British army officer who served on the staff in the Egyptian campaign of 1884-85 and during the Boer War. He retired as a Lt-Colonel in May 1904. The earliest Verner designs were simple pocket compasses, with the various models of the service pattern, Mk III to Mk VII, appearing between c.1900-1918. His prismatic compasses were essentially a development of the Schmalcalder Patent design of the early 19th century, but they remained the standard service compass of the British army until the start of WW2. As well as designing compasses, Verner was a prolific author, military historian and chronicler of the Rifle Brigade.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe compass is in very good condition, full working order, and finds North well. The brass case, glass and compass card are in very good condition. Most of the original bronzed finish to the brass case has worn away over time. The fitted leather case is in very good condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions :\u003c\/strong\u003e 52mm diameter (70mm inc. prism)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44457862201495,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/files\/J_H_Steward_extra_-_1.jpg?v=1721376523"},{"product_id":"ross-ltd-military-prismatic-compass-c-1910","title":"Ross Ltd Military Prismatic Compass c.1905","description":"\u003cp\u003eA military prismatic marching compass, by Ross Ltd of London, dating from c.1905. It is engraved on the lid,\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e‘Ross Ltd, 31 Cockspur St, London’. Ross Ltd traded from this address from 1898 to 1913. The compass is in very good condition, with the original bronzed and lacquered finishes of the brass case in good condition. It is in full working order and comes complete with its original fitted leather case.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is quite a rare variant of this type of early 20th century military night marching compass - larger and heavier than the Verner's patent types. But the most interesting and unusual feature is the way the thumb loop is attached centrally in the base, rather than in the standard arrangement underneath the prism housing. The compass is also noticeably larger than most of this type - 60mm in diameter, rather than the more common 50mm size of most military prismatics of the period. Similar compasses (though standard in size and with a conventional thumb loop) were made by Francis Barker \u0026amp; Son during the Boer War and WW1 eras.\u003cspan style=\"caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; display: inline !important; float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe compass has an aluminium compass card with large black hand-painted markers over a luminous painted paper background. The luminous paint used was most probably a version of 'Balmain's Luminous Paint', which was a compound of calcium sulphide. It was made luminous by exposure to sunlight or by burning a strip of magnesium ribbon near the compass card. It was patented in England in 1877 by William Balmain, and was often used in compasses, before the introduction of radium paint rendered it obsolete just before WW1. This compass has no 'broad arrow' service markings, so it may well have been an officer's private purchase item. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRoss \u0026amp; Co, London: \u003c\/strong\u003eAndrew Ross (1798–1859) founded the company in 1830 at Wigmore Street in London, and from 1840 he began producing camera lenses signed \"A. Ross\". During his lifetime, the company was one of the foremost British lens manufacturers. After Andrew's death in 1859 his son-in-law, J. H. Dallmeyer, left the firm to establish his own optical company. From 1860 onwards the company was run by Thomas Ross, and became known as Ross \u0026amp; Co. By the 1890s Ross were making Zeiss and Goerz lenses under licence for sale in the UK and the British Empire. Ross Ltd was formed in 1897 with share capital of £120,000, and had premises at 31 Cockspur Street and 111 New Bond Street. Before WW1 Ross and Zeiss had worked quite closely together, and at the outbreak of war the British Government put Ross in control of the newly opened Carl Zeiss binocular and optical factory in Mill Hill, London. In 1917 Ross took over the assets of Carl Zeiss (London) Ltd and moved their offices to the old Zeiss building in Great Castle Street. From around the start of the 20th century Ross were best known as suppliers of optical, scientific and nautical instruments. In 1921 Sir Charles Parsons acquired a controlling interest in the company and took over as chairman. From 1948 the company became part of Barnett Ensign Ross Ltd.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe compass is in very good condition, full working order and finds North, although the card moves a little slowly. The transit lock and manual brake are in good working order. The compass card and glass are in very good condition. The rotating bezel turns, but is quite stiff. The original leather case is in very good condition, and has the initials 'S. K.' written on it in ink.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 60mm (diameter: 80mm inc. prism)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44458142597271,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/files\/RossCompass-11.jpg?v=1721379999"},{"product_id":"j-h-steward-verners-patent-marching-compass-2","title":"J. H. Steward Major Verner's Patent Marching Compass c.1895","description":"\u003cp\u003eA rare Major Verner's Patent marching compass, serial number 412, made by J. H. Steward c.1895. The compass has a brass case, marked with J. H. Steward's details, '406 \u0026amp; 457, Strand, London', 'Major W. Verner's Patent', and the serial number 412. It features a hand-painted compass card with a a large black North marker, and a central painted area (possibly 'Balmain's Luminous Paint', which was patented by William Balmain in 1877). This type of luminous paint was activated by exposure to very bright light, often created by burning a strip of magnesium ribbon. The rotating bezel has an integral direction bar fixed to the underside of the glass. The compass also has a transit lock operated by a sliding button, and another small button on the side of the case operates a manual brake. The lid retains much of its original bronzed finish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis compass is identical to one (serial no. 711) carried by Lieutenant C. J. Clerk during the famous charge of the 21st Lancers at the Battle of Omdurman in September 1898 (see the blog pages for further details of this compass). Another example of the Verner patent marching compass can be seen at \u003ca title=\"compassmuseum.com\" href=\"http:\/\/www.compassmuseum.com\"\u003ecompassmuseum.com\u003c\/a\u003e. The compass was listed in several J. H. Steward Military Instrument catalogues from 1893 to 1899, and also appeared in Verner's book \u003cem\u003eMilitary Topography\u003c\/em\u003e (1891).\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJ. H. Steward Ltd\u003c\/strong\u003e: James Henry Steward (1817-1896) established his business in London in 1852 as a maker and retailer of optical, scientific, military and surveying instruments. J.H. Steward was the head optician of the company and had businesses at 406 Strand, 457 West Strand and 54 Cornhill in London. In the mid 1800s he became the optician to Her Majesty's Government and the National Rifle, and National Artillery Associations. James Henry Steward died in 1896. J. H. Steward Ltd was incorporated in 1912 and continued in business in London until 1973. The main London office was sold in 1971, and from 1971-1973 the company rented premises in Catherine Street. All the remaining stock and long serving staff member George Goble (c.1916-1975) were moved to Catherine Street. The business finally moved to 154a Church Road, Hove, Sussex in 1973, before finally ceasing trading in 1975.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLt-Colonel William Willoughby Cole Verner (1852-1922)\u003c\/strong\u003e served on the staff in the Egyptian campaign of 1884-85 and during the Boer War. He retired as a Lt-Colonel in May 1904. The earliest Verner designs were simple pocket compasses, with the various models of the Service Pattern, MK III to MK VII, appearing between c.1895-1918. His prismatic service compasses were essentially a development of the Schmalcalder patent design of the early 19th century, but they remained the standard service compass of the British Army until the start of WW2. As well as designing compasses, Verner was a prolific author, military historian, and chronicler of the Rifle Brigade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn very good original condition, full working order, and finds North well. The compass case, card, and glass are all in very good condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions :\u003c\/strong\u003e 55mm (75mm inc. loop)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44852082016407,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/files\/MajorVernersCompass-43.jpg?v=1732127283"},{"product_id":"j-h-steward-bosworths-patent-sketching-board-c-1905","title":"J. H. Steward Major Bosworth's Patent Sketching Board c.1905","description":"\u003cp\u003eA rare Major Bosworth's Patent Sketching board, made by J. H. Steward Ltd of London between 1897-1910. Marked 'Major Bosworth's Patent' and 'J. H. Steward, 457 West Strand, London', the board is well made, of high quality wood and brass, and features a leather wrist strap on the rear. The patent (No. GB189709492) for the J. H. Steward\/W. J. Bosworth board was filed in 1897, so it was made after that date, but before 1910, when it had become known as 'Colonel Bosworth's'. The Bosworth board featured in the 1910 edition of the Steward Military catalogue, but was not included in the 1916 edition, so it looks like production had ceased by 1915. Two versions were listed in the 1910 Military catalogue - this one was 'Designed for use on a bicycle or motor car'.  It's most distinctive feature was that it had a removable compass, held in place by a brass bar and knurled nut on the rear of the board. The compass could be removed if it was affected by the metal components of the bicycle or car. This board no longer has the compass that would have accompanied it. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bosworth board was a variant of the 'Cavalry Sketching Board'. Various other designs of Cavalry sketching board were being produced around this time, including those by Lt-Col. Willoughby Verner, Aston \u0026amp; Mander, and Houghton's, but the Bosworth type is much less common.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Cavalry Sketching Board: \u003c\/strong\u003ewas originally designed by Colonel W. H. Richards, who taught military surveying at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst c.1880. The board was improved by Major Willoughby Verner who was also briefly Professor of Topography at Sandhurst. Verner patented his own improvements in 1887 and 1891 and the board became known as \u003ci\u003eVerner's\u003c\/i\u003e. W. J. Bosworth patented further improvements in 1897\u003ci\u003e,\u003c\/i\u003e and versions of the board remained in use until around 1930.\u003ci\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCavalry Sketching Boards were designed to be strapped to the arm of a cavalryman on the bridle arm. The board was attached to the arm by a leather strap with a swivel joint. This enabled the user to twist the whole board on their arm to align the compass accurately. The board incorporated a compass for taking bearings, and the sketch was made on a paper roll which was wound around one of the side rollers. As a sketch was completed, the paper roll was advanced to supply more paper. During WW1 the sketching board was often used by pilots and observers of the Royal Flying Corps to make sketches of enemy positions and trenches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJ. H. Steward Ltd\u003c\/strong\u003e: James Henry Steward established his business in London in 1852. As a maker and retailer of optical, scientific, military and surveying instruments. J.H. Steward was the head optician of the company and had businesses at 406 Strand, 457 West Strand and 54 Cornhill in London. In the mid 1800s he became the optician to Her Majesty's Government and the National Rifle, and National Artillery Associations. James Henry Steward died in 1896. J. H. Steward Ltd was incorporated in 1912 and continued in business until the middle of the 20th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn very good condition, with general signs of use and a few marks. There is some wear to the leather wrist strap.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions :\u003c\/strong\u003e Board: 200mm x 215mm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44887682547863,"sku":null,"price":85.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/files\/BosworthsPatent-2.jpg?v=1732967483"},{"product_id":"francis-barker-m-71-prismatic-compass-1","title":"Francis Barker M-71 Prismatic Compass (1971)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn extremely rare Francis Barker M-71, complete with its original fitted leather case. The Francis Barker M-71 Prismatic Military compass was a direct descendant of the legendary Barker Mk III that was introduced in 1932 and used by British armed forces throughout the second world war. The M-71 was only made during 1971, in very limited quantities, before being replaced by the M-72 in 1972. The M-72 was itself quickly replaced by the M-73, which remains in production today, is standard issue with many armed forces, and is regarded as the world's finest liquid prismatic compass,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe M-71 has a brass case and lid, and a mother of pearl dial with a triangular luminous North marker. The most noticeable difference between the M-71 and M-72 is that the M-71 has luminous paint markers, rather than the tritium lights seen on the M-72. There is also a luminous paint well under the index ring near the hinge, rather than the lozenge shaped well with a tritium light that was used on the M-72.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost of the M-71 and M-72 compasses were totally unmarked, with no maker's marks, serial numbers, or NATO stock numbers. Some of the last to be produced had the lettering 'PAT APPL. FOR' on the base. Almost all of the M-71 compasses were exported to Australia, and this is an exceptionally rare fully-marked example with Australian retailers markings - 'Precision Instrument Co. Pty Ltd, Sydney', 'PAT. APPL. FOR', and 'Made in England' on the base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(Further details of the M-71 can be found in Paul Crespel's book \u003cem\u003eTrade Mark London\u003c\/em\u003e, available to view as a PDF at trademarklondon.com)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrancis Barker \u0026amp; Son: \u003c\/strong\u003ewere established in London in 1848, as a maker of compasses and scientific instruments. Francis Barker produced a very wide range of compass designs over the years, supplying major retailers such as Negretti \u0026amp; Zambra, J. Lizars, C. W. Dixey, Dollond, and many others. The company prospered until 1932, when it was taken over and became F. Barker \u0026amp; Son (1932). After WW2 the company changed hands several times and the name is now owned by Pyser-Optics of Edenbridge in Kent. They continue to produce the renowned Barker M-73, widely acknowledged to be the world's finest prismatic compass.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn very good condition, full working order, and finds North very well. There are just minor signs of use, and some slight wear to the paint finish. The mother of pearl card is in very good condition. The prism, index glass, and lid window are in very good condition. The luminous paint markers are working very well, making the compass suitable for use in total darkness, as originally intended. The original fitted leather case and shoulder strap are in very good condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions :\u003c\/strong\u003e 85mm x 60mm x 30mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45017790316695,"sku":null,"price":395.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/files\/BarkerM-71-15.jpg?v=1736536065"},{"product_id":"major-lombes-schmalcalder-compass-c-1855","title":"Major Lombe's Troughton \u0026 Simms Compass c.1850","description":"\u003cp\u003eA rare Schmalcalder's Patent type prismatic compass, with a fascinating history, made in London by Troughton \u0026amp; Simms between c.1826 and 1876. The compass card is signed 'Troughton \u0026amp; Simms, London'. The leather case is signed by 'R. Lombe, 9th Regt' - this was Major Ralph Lombe, an officer in the 9th (East Norfolk) Regiment, who fought in British colonial campaigns on the North West Frontier, in India, Afghanistan, and Burma during the late 19th century. (After the 1881 Childers army reforms, the 9th Regiment became the Norfolk Regiment).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fine example of the work of one of the best maker's of the period, the compass is very much in the style of the early Schmalcalder's. With a hand-drawn green compass card, jewelled pivot, lacquered brass case and push-fit lid, prism and vane sights, and transit lock. The transit lock mechanism is the type usually only seen on the early Schmalcalder's - operated by a rotating lever on the side of the case. There is a folding prism on one side of the case and a folding sighting vane on the opposite side. The compass comes complete with its original fitted leather case and shoulder strap. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the time Ralph Lombe was commissioned in 1876, this type of compass design had been abandoned by most makers, as more modern designs were being adopted. But Troughton \u0026amp; Simms are known to have still been producing this design as late as 1869. If, as seems likely, Ralph Lombe acquired this compass when he was commissioned, it must either have been made much earlier, or been one of the very last of the Schmalcalder types to be made. An almost identical Troughton \u0026amp; Simms compass can be seen in the collection of the Science Museum in London, which they date to between 1826-1876.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMajor R. H. F. Lombe (1854-1930)\u003c\/strong\u003e: Ralph Henry Fenwick Lombe was a British army officer, commissioned as a Lieutenant in the 9th (East Norfolk) Regiment in 1876. During a long and distinguished military career he served throughout the British Empire in some of the most significant wars, campaigns and other less well known colonial expeditions of the Victorian era. He was educated at Repton School and Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, graduating in 1874, and then joining the 9th (East Norfolk) Regiment of Foot in September 1876. From 1877-78 he served in the Jowaki Expedition on the North West Frontier - a punitive action against the Jowaki Afridi tribe, centred on a dispute about the Kohat Pass. After this, Ralph Lombe served in the Afghan War of 1879-80, the operations around Jugdulluk, the Relief of Sherpur, the affair at Saidabad, the Burmese Expedition of 1887-89, the operations in the Chin Hills, the Chin Lushai Expedition of 1889-90 (a campaign that began with the murder of a British officer who was ambushed by Burmese headhunters), and the Relief of Chitral in 1895. He was mentioned in despatches several times, and was promoted to Captain in July 1882, and then to Major in March 1892, before retiring from the army in 1897. He remained on the reserve of officers and served again during WW1, appointed as a temporary Lieutenant Colonel and commander of the Depot of the Norfolk Regiment in 1914.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring his army career Ralph Lombe seems to have had a keen interest in photography, taking and appearing in numerous excellent photographs of the Norfolk Regiment during their service in the colonial wars of the Victorian era. These photographs and other items are available to view at the website of the Norfolk Museums Collections at: https:\/\/www.museumscollections.norfolk.gov.uk\/article\/30241\/Search-the-collections?searchTerm=Lombe\u0026amp;p=1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(\u003cem\u003eCopies of documents and other information relating to Major Lombe's military service will be included with the compass\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTroughton \u0026amp; Simms: \u003c\/strong\u003ewere scientific instrument business, formed when Edward Troughton (1756-1835) took on William Simms as a partner in 1826. Previously, Troughton had been a sole proprietor, and before that he was in partnership with his brother John. When John died, Edward took on Simms in 1826. Edward Troughton died in 1835. In 1876 Troughton \u0026amp; Simms supplied the Imperial Standards Of Length gauges mounted at Trafalgar Square in London. They became a limited company in 1915, and in 1922 merged with T. Cooke \u0026amp; Sons to form Cooke, Troughton \u0026amp; Simms. The firm produced a wide variety of scientific and astronomical instruments, such as compasses, transit circles, sextants, telescopes, and other instruments for observatories around the world. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCharles Augustus Schmalcalder (1781-1843)\u003c\/strong\u003e was one of the most significant figures in the development of the compass. His patent design of 1812, which introduced the idea of using an optical prism, combined with a sighting vane, to improve accuracy when taking bearings, is still in use today. Schmalcalder's innovation was a development of the work of Henry Kater. In 1811 Kater developed a design using a mirror and sighting vane. His design was then manufactured by Thomas Jones. Schmalcalder, who also knew Thomas Jones, is believed to have seen Kater's new compass at Jones' premises, and this gave him the idea for his own prismatic version. Schmalcalder moved swiftly to have prototypes of his own design made by Jones, which he then went on to patent. Winning the race to patent his innovation, Schmalcalder's compass completely eclipsed Kater's earlier design. Between 1812 and 1826 (when the patent expired) Schmalcalder's Patent compasses were manufactured by third party makers, like Thomas Jones, and sold from Schmalcalder's premises, first at 82 The Strand, London, and later from 399 The Strand, London. Schmalcalder continued in business until around 1840, with his design being used uncredited by many other makers, such as Francis Barker, Thomas Jones, and Troughton \u0026amp; Simms after the patent expired in 1826. No doubt as a result of this, Schmalcalder fell on hard times, dying in poverty in 1843 and being buried in the Strand Union Workhouse cemetery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e(Further information on Schmalcalder, Kater and the development of the early prismatic compass, can be found at the trademarklondon.com website).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn very good condition, and full working order. The compass finds North very well. The glass, sighting vane, prism and compass card are in very good condition. There is some wear to the original lacquered finish of the base of the brass case. The fitted leather case is in good condition, with one panel of the lid missing. The leather case is signed in ink with the name 'R. Lombe, 9th Regt.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cbr\u003e75mm diameter (95mm inc. prism), 20mm height\u003cbr\u003eLeather case: 35mm x 80mm x 110mm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45045728182423,"sku":null,"price":995.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/files\/LombeCompass-55.jpg?v=1750939640"},{"product_id":"francis-barker-son-prismatic-artillery-compass-c-1980","title":"Francis Barker \u0026 Son Prismatic Artillery Compass c.1982","description":"\u003cp\u003eA rare Artillery or Surveyors Prismatic Compass, made in the UK c.1982 by Francis Barker \u0026amp; Son Ltd of Edenbridge in Kent. With a brass and aluminium case, 102mm duralumin ring card calibrated to half degrees, folding prism and sighting vane, and screw threaded tripod mounting on the base. There is a transit lock which operates to lock the card when the sighting vane is folded, and a manual push-button brake. The compass would originally have had a lid, but this is missing. It comes with its original fittted leather case and shoulder strap. This compass was listed as model No. 1201 in the 1982 Francis Barker catalogue. Other versions were available with optional filters and azimuth mirror.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis compass design originated in the second half of the 19th century, and was a development of the Schmalcalder Patent types of the early 1800's. In 1861 W. F. Stanley patented a number of improvements in the use of aluminium in the manufacture of mathematical and scientific instruments, and he was one of the first to use this type of cutaway aluminium card. Stanley's \u003cem\u003eSurveying and Levelling Instruments\u003c\/em\u003e (1895) included a description of this type of compass, and it was listed in many scientific instrument catalogues, including the J. H. Steward Military Instruments Catalogue (1901), the W. F. Stanley Catalogue (1912), and the Francis Barker catalogues of 1909 and 1926. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrancis Barker \u0026amp; Son Ltd:\u003c\/strong\u003e were established in London in 1848, as a maker of compasses and scientific instruments. Francis Barker produced a very wide range of compass designs over the years, supplying major retailers such as Negretti \u0026amp; Zambra, J. Lizars, C. W. Dixey, Dollond, and many others. The company prospered until 1932, when it was taken over and became F. Barker \u0026amp; Son (1932). After WW2 the company changed hands several times and the name is now owned by Pyser-Optics of Edenbridge in Kent. They continue to produce the renowned Barker M-73, widely acknowledged to be the world's finest prismatic compass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn very good, near mint condition and full working order. The compass would originally have had a push-fit lid, but this is missing. The leather case is in very good condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: 115mm diameter (150mm including prism)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45053122936983,"sku":null,"price":225.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/files\/BarkerEdenbridgecompass-11.jpg?v=1737224590"},{"product_id":"j-h-steward-verners-mk-iii-british-army-compass-1896","title":"J. H. Steward Verner's Mk III British Army Compass (1896)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA J. H. Steward Verner’s Patent Mk III Military Compass, dating from 1896. This was one of the earliest designs produced by Colonel William Willoughby Cole Verner, and featured in his book \u003cem\u003eSome Notes on Military Topography \u003c\/em\u003e(1891), in which it was described as being suitable for ‘Night marching and outpost work’. The compass has a brass case, engraved with J. H. Steward's details, Verner Patent Mk III markings, the serial number 121, the War Office 'Broad Arrow' mark, the number 539, and the date 1896. The 'Broad Arrow' mark indicates that this compass was official government issue, rather than an officer's private purchase item. The compass features a card treated with 'Balmain's Luminous Paint' (patented by William Balmain in 1877), and a large black North marker. There is a transit lock operated by a sliding button, and another small lever on the case which operates as a manual brake. It also has a rotating bezel, used to set compass bearings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWilloughby Verner (1852-1922) was a soldier and prolific inventor of military scientific instruments, with his patented compasses being standard issue in the British army from the 1890s to the start of the Second World War. Verner also patented a Cavalry Sketching Board that was used throughout WW1, and wrote extensively on military subjects. Verner joined the Rifle Brigade in 1874 and served in the Sudan and the Boer War, later becoming the official historian of the Rifle Brigade. His published works included \u003cem\u003eSketches in the Soudan\u003c\/em\u003e (1885) and \u003cem\u003eRapid Field-Sketching and Reconnaissance\u003c\/em\u003e (1889). Today Verner is undoubtedly best known for his series of military compasses, mostly produced by J. H. Steward and Elliot Brothers between c.1891 and 1918. The earliest of these compasses, and several of Verner's other innovations are well described and illustrated in his book \u003cem\u003eSome Notes on Military Topography\u003c\/em\u003e (1891).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJ. H. Steward Ltd: \u003c\/strong\u003eJames Henry Steward (1817-1896) established his business in London in 1852 as a maker and retailer of optical, scientific, military and surveying instruments. J. H. Steward was the head optician of the company and had businesses at 406 Strand, 457 West Strand and 54 Cornhill in London. In the mid 1800s he became the optician to Her Majesty's Government and the National Rifle, and National Artillery Associations. James Henry Steward died in 1896. J. H. Steward Ltd was incorporated in 1912 and continued in business in London until 1973. The main London office was sold in 1971, and from 1971-1973 the company rented premises in Catherine Street. All the remaining stock and long serving staff member George Goble (c.1916-1975) were moved to Catherine Street. The business finally moved to 154a Church Road, Hove, Sussex in 1973, before finally ceasing trading in 1975.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLt-Colonel William Willoughby Cole Verner (1852-1922)\u003c\/strong\u003e served on the staff in the Egyptian campaign of 1884-85 and during the Boer War. He retired as a Lt-Colonel in May 1904. The earliest Verner designs were simple pocket compasses, with the various models of the Service Pattern, MK III to MK VII, appearing between c.1891-1918. His prismatic service compasses were essentially a development of the Schmalcalder patent design of the early 19th century, but they remained the standard service compass of the British Army until the start of WW2. As well as designing compasses, Verner was a prolific author, military historian, and chronicler of the Rifle Brigade\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eIn very good condition, full working order, and finds North well. The original bronzed finish to the exterior of the lid has worn away. The brass case, compass card and glass are in very good condition. The rubber friction ring in the base has been replaced with a new one in the same colour as the original.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimensions : 50mm (78mm inc. loop)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45403290566807,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/files\/VernersMKIIImilitary-35.jpg?v=1745242723"},{"product_id":"hymans-pocket-range-finder-1915","title":"Hymans Pocket Range Finder (1915)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA rare WW1 British military range finder, dating from c.1915. Designed by Charles Hymans of Cambridge, it was patented in 1915 (Patent No. 4493\/15). Complete with its original instructions manual.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Hymans range finder appeared in many newspaper and magazine advertisments during WW1, often with testimonials from officers serving in the front line. As an officer in a 'Cyclist Co. B.E.F., Somewhere in France' wrote: 'I have the Hymans Pocket Range Finder and am very pleased with it. I have shown the Range Finder to several officers, who were all very interested. Major General --- examined it for about half an hour'. The Hymans Range Finder was described as being 'Approved by and supplied to H. M. War Office', and was priced at 57 shillings in 1915. It was said to be made on an 'entirely new principle and for simplicity and accuracy has no equal. Every officer should carry one in his tunic pocket'. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe instrument has a brass case with an oxidised finish containing the rangefinder elements, a prism and a sliding lens with integral scale. The case carries the maker's mark, 'Chas. Hymans, Cambridge', and the patent number, 4493\/15. On either side of the case there are measurement tables to be used in conjunction with the scale on the sliding lens frame. It comes with its exceptionally rare original instructions manual (13pp), and another original instructions leaflet with testimonials from military users.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCharles Hymans (1882-1972)\u003c\/strong\u003e: was an opthalmic optician and scientific instrument retailer with premises in St Andrews St, Cambridge, and also in King's Lynn. His family were originally from Holland, arriving in London in the 1860s. In 1901 Charles was apprenticed to an optical and scientific manufacturer in London, and by 1911 he had moved to Cambridge and set up his own business. He set up a second branch in King's Lynn, which traded until 1918, afterwards concentrating on the Cambridge business, which was still trading as Hymans \u0026amp; Cox until the 1930s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn very good condition, and full working order. The sliding lens and prism are in very good condition and working well. The original instruction manual is in good condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions : \u003c\/strong\u003e85mm length (140mm with lens extended), \u003cbr\u003e30mm width, 20mm depth\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45420657574039,"sku":null,"price":235.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/files\/HymansRangefinder-48_3110e25a-eea3-4dd4-af9d-610fe2b923e6.jpg?v=1745524343"},{"product_id":"j-h-steward-telemeter-range-finder-c-1898","title":"J. H. Steward Telemeter Range Finder c.1893","description":"\u003cp\u003eA J. H. Steward Labbez Pocket Telemeter Range Finder, dating from c.1893. Complete with its original instructions manual, and a handwritten note on its use, issued by J. H. Steward. The Labbez Telemeter Range Finder appeared in several J. H. Steward catalogues at the end of the 19th century, including the 1893, 1896 and 1899 editions. By 1899 more than 800 Labbez Telemeters had been sold by J. H. Steward, 'to officers of the British and Indian Army and Volunteers. In most instances this has been after two minutes instruction and a single trial by the purchaser from a position overlooking the river, within two minutes walk of this establishment'. This commercial success continued into the early years of the 20th century, with improved versions of the Telemeter still in use during the First World War.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis type of Telemeter Range Finder was originally intended to give accurate ranges of objects for musketry and reconnaissance work. The Steward catalogue for 1899 stated that the instrument had proved invaluable in 'a rapid and successful survey in Asia Minor, where the lakes, craters of volcanoes, and special topographical features were noted, the distances in each case being taken with this telemeter; also during the recent (1898) Soudan Expedition, when the Nile was mapped by a Special Service officer. Its use for ranging machine guns and directing infantry fire has also been emphasised at various times by officers on active service'. Lt-Colonel Willoughby Verner, inventor of the celebrated Verner Service Compass, tested the Telemeter and was very satisfied with its performance, as were many other officers, including the O.C. Commanding the 1st Bengal Infantry, who stated that 'I have the pleasure to inform you that I have put the Labbez Telemeters to a trial, and am very pleased with them, as they are simple and accurate'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe instrument has a tubular 'bronzed' or blackened brass case, containing the prism and other rangefinder elements. The case is inscribed: 'Labbez Telemeter, Sole Agents J. H. Steward, 406 Strand, London', and has the serial number '389'. As Steward had sold 800 of these instruments by 1899, it seems likely that this one dates from several years earlier. It comes complete with its original brass bobbin and reel of string which was used for measuring base lines. The Telemeter fits inside the bobbin for transport, and this then fits into a compartment in the leather case. Various optional accessories could be added to the basic Telemeter, including a telescope attachment for use with more distant objects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is very unsual indeed to find a Telemeter which still has its original instruction manual and its fitted leather case, rarer still to have a handwritten note on J. H. Steward stationery. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJ. H. Steward\u003c\/strong\u003e: James Henry Steward (1817-1896) established his business in London in 1852 as a maker and retailer of optical, scientific, military and surveying instruments. J.H. Steward was the head optician of the company and had businesses at 406 Strand, 457 West Strand and 54 Cornhill in London. In the mid 1800s he became the optician to Her Majesty's Government and the National Rifle, and National Artillery Associations. James Henry Steward died in 1896. J. H. Steward Ltd was incorporated in 1912 and continued in business in London until 1973. The main London office was sold in 1971, and from 1971-1973 the company rented premises in Catherine Street. All the remaining stock and long serving staff member George Goble (c.1916-1975) were moved to Catherine Street. The business finally moved to 154a Church Road, Hove, Sussex in 1973, before finally ceasing trading in 1975.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn very good condition, and full working order, with minor signs of wear and use. The leather case is in very good condition. The original instruction manual is in good condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTelemeter: 40mm x 70mm,\u003cbr\u003eLeather case:\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e55mm x 75mm x 90mm\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45421840203927,"sku":null,"price":350.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/files\/Telemeter-21.jpg?v=1762248958"},{"product_id":"francis-barker-fb1204-prismatic-artillery-compass-c-1982","title":"Francis Barker FB1204 Prismatic Artillery Compass c.1982","description":"\u003cp\u003eA rare FB1204 Artillery \/ Surveyors Prismatic Compass, made in England by Francis Baker and dating from c.1982. Brass and aluminium case with push-fit lid, liquid filled, calibrated in 1\/2 degrees, and with a flange on the base for tripod mounting. Suitable for use as a Landing Compass. The FB1204 model was in production until the late 1990's. In the Barker 1982 catalogue it was described as 'giving a quick steady reading. Cobex dial divided to half degrees. 76mm box, 57mm ring. Complete with sling carry case'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrancis Barker \u0026amp; Son:\u003c\/strong\u003e were established in London in 1848, as a maker of compasses and scientific instruments. Francis Barker produced a very wide range of compass designs over the years, supplying major retailers such as Negretti \u0026amp; Zambra, J. Lizars, C. W. Dixey, Dollond, and many others. The company prospered until 1932, when it was taken over and became F. Barker \u0026amp; Son (1932). After WW2 the company changed hands several times and the name is now owned by Pyser-Optics of Edenbridge in Kent. They continue to produce the renowned Barker M-73, widely acknowledged to be the world's finest prismatic compass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn very good condition and full working order. The leather case is in very good condition, with some wear to the fastening strap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDimensions: 76mm diameter\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45467586232471,"sku":null,"price":275.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/files\/BARKER1982COMPASS-6.jpg?v=1773415881"},{"product_id":"francis-barker-m-72-prismatic-compass-1972","title":"Francis Barker M-72 Prismatic Compass (1972)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA rare Francis Barker M-72 liquid filled military prismatic compass, complete with its original leather case. The Barker M-72 compass was a direct descendant of the legendary MK III that was in use with the British armed forces throughout the second world war. Produced in the UK in 1972, it was a development of the M-71 which was introduced in 1971 and was one of the last Barker compasses to feature a mother of pearl card. The M-72 was only made during 1972, in very limited quantities, before being replaced by the M-73 in 1973. The M-73 remains in production today, is still regarded as the world's finest liquid prismatic compass, and is standard military issue with many armed forces. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe M-72 has a brass case and lid, mother of pearl compass card, prism sights, and rotating bezel. It is calibrated in degrees. It comes with its original leather case and shoulder strap.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe M-72 was very similar to the M-71, with a brass case and lid, and mother of pearl card. Most of the M-71 and M-72 compasses did not have maker's or retailers marks. Some, like this one, had 'Pat. Appd. For' engraved on the base, or in rare cases the retailer's details. Almost all of the M-72 compasses were originally exported to Australia. (Further details of the M-72 can be found in Paul Crespel’s book \u003cem\u003eTrade Mark London\u003c\/em\u003e, which is available as a PDF on the website trademarklondon.com)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrancis Barker \u0026amp; Son:\u003c\/strong\u003e were established in London in 1848, as a maker of compasses and scientific instruments. Francis Barker produced a very wide range of compass designs over the years, supplying major retailers such as Negretti \u0026amp; Zambra, J. Lizars, C. W. Dixey, Dollond, and many others. The company prospered until 1932, when it was taken over and became F. Barker \u0026amp; Son (1932). After WW2 the company changed hands several times and the name is now owned by Pyser-Optics of Edenbridge in Kent. They continue to produce the renowned Barker M-73, widely acknowledged to be the world's finest prismatic compass.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe compass is in very good condition, in full working order, and finds North very well. There are no bubbles in the fluid. There is some very minor wear to the black painted finish of the brass case. The luminous night lights have now expired and would need to be renewed if the compass was to be used in total darkness. The leather case is in very good condition, with some wear to the shouder strap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions :\u003c\/strong\u003e 85mm x 60mm x 34mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45599403770007,"sku":null,"price":345.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/files\/M-72June2025-13.jpg?v=1768947512"},{"product_id":"f-barker-son-rgs-compass-c-1904","title":"Kelvin \u0026 James White Ltd, Barker 'RGS' Compass c.1904","description":"\u003cp\u003eA rare variant of the Francis Barker \u0026amp; Son ‘RGS’ type prismatic compass, dating from c.1904. Although there are no maker's marks, this is a well-known Barker design which the company supplied to several prominent scientific instrument retailers, including Negretti \u0026amp; Zambra, London, Kelvin \u0026amp; James White, Glasgow, and Davidson \u0026amp; Regenstreif, Cairo. The compass featured in the 1909 Negretti \u0026amp; Zambra catalogue, where it was described as 'Prismatic Compass, pocket size, stout bronzed snap hunter case, card dial, with specially bold day and night luminous centre, revolving lubber line on the glass front, sight in the lid, large finger ring attached to case, and stops for steadying the swing'. The base of the compass is signed by the retailer - 'Kelvin \u0026amp; James White Ltd, Glasgow', who were in business in Glasgow from 1900 to 1913.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a particularly rare prismatic design, with elements of both the Schmalcalder Patent design of the early 19th century, and the Singer’s Patent compasses of the 1860’s. It may well have been intended for military use as an officer's private purchase item, and its service pattern leather case, dated 1916, suggests the compass was used during the First World War.\u2028\u2028\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe compass features an aluminium card with a central section hand-painted with Barker's distinctive 'RGS' design. This central section would have been treated with a luminous compound (most probably ‘Balmain’s Luminous Paint’), which was activated by exposure to very bright light, often created by burning a strip of magnesium ribbon. The compass has a 'bronzed' brass case, folding prismatic sight, a transit lock operated by a sliding button on the side of the case, and a manual brake. It comes complete with its fitted leather case and shoulder strap.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBarker's 'RGS' design was a development of the Singer’s Patent design, and is very similar to one illustrated in the Royal Geographical Society’s explorers manual \u003cem\u003eHints to Travellers\u003c\/em\u003e (1871). The ‘RGS’ type was often used by travellers and explorers around the turn of the century - Ernest Shackleton took several similar compasses with him on his expeditions to the antarctic, including the celebrated 1907-9 British Antarctic Expedition. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKelvin \u0026amp; James White Ltd:\u003c\/strong\u003e James White (1824-1884): Founded the company in 1850 as an optical and scientific instrument maker. James White had a long association with William Thomson (later Lord Kelvin), who was Professor of Natural Philosophy at Glasgow University from 1846-1899. White supplied and repaired apparatus for Lord Kelvin's laboratory at the University of Glasgow and collaborated with him on the development of compasses, scientific instruments, and the mirror galvanometer for the Atlantic telegraph project. In 1900 the company was incorporated as Kelvin \u0026amp; James White Ltd, with Lord Kelvin as a director and his nephew, James Thomson Bottomley, also joining the firm. The company became best known for its marine compasses and sounding machines, particularly Lord Kelvin's designs. In 1913 Kelvin \u0026amp; James White Ltd became Kelvin Bottomley \u0026amp; Baird Ltd.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn very good condition, and full working order. The compass finds north very well. The glass, compass card, and case are in very good condition. There is some wear to the original bronzed finish of the brass case. The leather case is in very good condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: 54mm diameter (85mm inc. prism \u0026amp; loop)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45727053906071,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/files\/BarkerRegenstreiftype-57.jpg?v=1755286907"},{"product_id":"herga-co-brunton-pocket-transit-compass-c-1928-copy","title":"Herga \u0026 Co Brunton Pocket Transit Compass c.1928","description":"\u003cp\u003eA rare Brunton Pocket Transit Compass, made for Herga \u0026amp; Co. of Brisbane, Australia, by F. Barker \u0026amp; Son c.1926 -1932. It comes complete with its original fitted leather case. Although there are no maker’s marks, other than ‘Made in England’, the compass is identical to those made and supplied by Francis Barker around this time, and Herga \u0026amp; Co are known to have imported many of the products they sold from England. Barker often supplied compasses unsigned to the retail trade, with the retailer then adding their own company name and details. This compass has ‘Herga \u0026amp; Co, Brisbane’ and the initials ‘R.M.’ engraved on the lid. The Brunton featured in several early 20th century Barker catalogues, being described in the 1919 and 1926 editions as 'Invaluable to mining and civil engineers, surveyors, \u0026amp; c.’ The additional ‘bullseye’ spirit level on the clinometer arm, an improvement on the original design, was first introduced in 1926.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExamples of Francis Barker Brunton's can be seen in the 1919 and 1926 Barker catalogue entries reproduced on pages 428 and 477 of Paul Crespel's definitive work on Barker compasses, Trade Mark London.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHerga \u0026amp; Co\u003c\/strong\u003e were established in Australia in 1888 when Alphonse Herga opened a watch repair shop in Queen Street, Brisbane. In 1894 he apprenticed Frederick Bright and formed Herga \u0026amp; Co., specialising in chronographs, watches and clocks imported from England. In 1927 Herga \u0026amp; Co opened a new shop in Edward Street, selling imported English barometers and clocks, and supplying Queensland schools and Government Departments with high quality wall clocks. The company became well known throughout Australia for their range of fine wall clocks, using imported English movements in Australian oak, cedar and maple cases. During WW2 Herga repaired navigation instrument for the US Navy, and the company began to specialise in surveying equipment.     \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Brunton Pocket Transit compass\u003c\/strong\u003e was invented in 1894 by D. W. Brunton, a Canadian-born geologist and mining engineer. Brunton commissioned a skilled watchmaker in Denver, Colorado to manufacture his invention, and it proved to be very succcessful as an alternative to the bulky surveying equipment of that time. Unlike most modern compasses, the Brunton Pocket Transit utilizes magnetic induction damping rather than fluid to damp needle oscillation. A specialized instrument, used to make accurate navigational and slope-angle measurements in the field, it is still used by geologists, archeologists, environmental engineers, mining engineers, and surveyors. The US Army adopted the Pocket Transit as the M2 Compass for use by field artillery. Modern versions, made by the Brunton company in the USA, are still in production.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrancis Barker \u0026amp; Son: \u003c\/strong\u003ewere established in London in 1848, as a maker of compasses and scientific instruments. One of the most important British scientific instrument makers of the Victorian era, Francis Barker produced a very wide range of compass designs throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, supplying major British retailers such as Negretti \u0026amp; Zambra, J. Lizars, C. W. Dixey, and Dollond \u0026amp; Co, and exporting their products worldwide. The company prospered until 1932, when it was taken over and became F. Barker \u0026amp; Son (1932). After WW2 the company changed hands several times and the name is now owned by Pyser Optics of Edenbridge in Kent. They continue to produce the renowned Barker M-73, widely acknowledged to be the world's finest prismatic compass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn very good condition, full working order, and finds North well. There is some wear to the original black painted finish of the case. The needle, jewelled pivot, transit lock, clinometer arm, mirror, sights and levels are all in very good condition and working well. With the retailer's details ‘Herga \u0026amp; Co, Brisbane’ and the initials ‘R.M.’ engraved on the lid. The leather case is in good condition, with the name ‘Robert Montgomery’ stamped on the lid.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDimensions : 80mm x 70mm x 30mm\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46357519696023,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/files\/BruntoncompassB-14.jpg?v=1764688587"},{"product_id":"silva-huntsman-nato-pilots-emergency-compass","title":"Silva Huntsman NATO Pilot's Emergency Compass c.1980","description":"\u003cp\u003eA Silva 'Huntsman' NATO emergency survival compass, made in Sweden, dating from c.1980. It has the NATO stock number 6605-99-779-1291 engraved on the bottom of the compass case. This type of pin-on compass was originally produced by Silva in the 1950's in an aluminium cased version. This later plastic bodied version is a NATO military compass, issued to armed forces as part of their emergency survival kit. Mostly issued to fighter pilots and aircrew, it was widely used by the German Bundeswehr and air force. In the 1980's pilots flying Phantom and Tornado jet fighters carried these alongside other emergency items in a lifejacket pocket. This type of survival compass was also used by British armed forces, although this particular compass was most likely issued to the German armed forces, as the British version usually had a dark green case.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe compass has a black plastic case, liquid-filled capsule, red\/white needle with luminous markers, rotating bezel, and a safety-pin to attach it to clothing. The compass also functions as a sunwatch. It comes in its original NATO red plastic box.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe compass is in very good condition, full working order, and finds North very well. The plastic box is in very good condition.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions :\u003c\/strong\u003e 38mm x 55mm (compass diameter: 30mm), box: 40mm x 60mm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Compass Library","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46898045845655,"sku":null,"price":95.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/files\/NATO_sunwatch_-_33.jpg?v=1770391506"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/6131\/collections\/Field_gear_collection_pic_-_1.jpg?v=1490377061","url":"https:\/\/www.compasslibrary.com\/en-be\/collections\/militaria.oembed?page=5","provider":"Compass Library","version":"1.0","type":"link"}