J. H. Steward 'Major Verner's Sergeants Compass', dating from c.1896. A unique and distinctive design, the Sergeant's Compass was designed by Major Willoughby Verner, and appeared in Steward catalogues from 1896 to 1916. It was intended to provide N.C.O.'s and other ranks with a reliable but relatively inexpensive alternative to the standard prismatic service compasses of the time. It was described in the 1896 catalogue as a 'Magnetic Compass for N.C.O.'s. and others, with the aid of which all the various processes of reconnoitring, marching by day and night, map reading, and field sketching can be carried out. The compass card is divided to two degrees, every tenth degree being figured clearly, the 32 points of the Compass are also shown, of which 16 are lettered. Inside the case is a lubber's line, and the bow-ring and edge of lid are provided with notches, by the aid of which the magnetic bearing of any object can be observed to within a degree or two. The compass has a hinged lid, and is so constructed as to lie flat on a map or sketching-board or plane table. The North point is clearly marked by means of a large black sector of a circle, so arranged as to show up well on the white compass card'.
The compass has a bronzed brass hunter case, paper and aluminium compass card, jewelled pivot, and a pin and lever transit lock which locks the card when the lid is closed. It is signed on the card 'Major Verner's Sergeants Compass, copyright J. H. Steward, 406 Strand, London'.
J. H. Steward Ltd: James Henry Steward (1817-1896) established his business in London in 1852 as a maker and retailer of optical, scientific, military and surveying instruments, and the company became one of the most important instrument manufacturers of the Victorian and Edwardian eras. 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.
Condition:
In very good condition and full working order, with wear to the original bronzed finish of the case. The compass finds North well. The compass card and glass are in very good condition.
Dimensions:
45mm diameter (65mm inc. bow)
