An exceptionally rare J. H. Steward 'Battalion' Night Marching Compass, dating from c.1898. A unique and very distinctive design, the Battalion Compass was originally made by J. H. Steward at the request of Captain Cecil Wilson, the Adjutant of the 3rd battalion King's Royal Rifles. After Captain Wilson had tested the compass in the field, he provided the following testimonial for the 1899 Steward catalogue: 'I have much pleasure in expressing my entire satisfaction with the luminous Compass you have made for my regiment. I have tested it at night in leading my battalion in night marching, and it has been used by the Brigade-Major in brigade night march with every satisfaction'.
Captain Cecil Wilson, Salamanca Barracks, Aldershot, 22/5/98
The compass has a large and heavy bronzed brass case (120mm diameter), aluminium dial with black painted centre and luminous paper markers, black outer degrees ring, with gold painted degree markings and luminous paper markers, rotating bezel with luminous paper marker under the glass, and a luminous paper sighting line inside the lid. The paper markers were most probably painted with a 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 dial. The compass has the maker's details engraved on the lid: 'The Battalion Compass, J. H. Steward 406 & 457 Strand, London'. It comes complete with its original wooden box, lined with suede in the base, and with felt covered internal fittings. The box is stamped on the lid and base with the official War Department broad arrow mark.
The 'Battalion Luminous Compass' appeared in Steward military instrument catalogues from c.1898 to 1909, and was only produced for a relatively short time, no longer being listed in the 1910 catalogue. Steward described it as having been designed 'so that a most reliable luminous Compass may be available for regimental use, and ensure an unmistakable course for night marching. The fixed outer ring of degrees has unmistakable luminous points at every 20 degrees, and the index bar, which is also luminous, is of corresponding width. It is, therefore, very easy to set and re-set the Compass in the dark with great accuracy'.
During its relatively short production run it seems likely that very few Battalion compasses were actually made. It is a large and heavy instrument, compared to other much lighter and more portable service compasses of the time - such as the Verner's Patent types - the size and weight of the Battalion compass would have made it impractical for widespread use. It was also very expensive, at £4 and 15 shillings in 1899 - almost five times the price of a Verner's Luminous service compass at that time. And it was specifically only intended for use as a night marching compass. This combination of weight, size, expense and being limited to use at night probably explains why it was not widely adopted, and why no other examples of the Battalion Compass are known to exist.
Captain Cecil Wilson: was born on 5th June 1870, at Frascati House, Blackrock, Dublin. He was educated at Harrow and commissioned in the King's Royal Rifle Corps in April 1890. He was promoted to Lieutenant 18th May 1892, and Captain 27th January 1898. He served in the South African War from 1899-1901 as Adjutant of 3rd Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps, and was present at the Relief of Ladysmith. He was involved in many other major battles and and engagements - including the Battle of Colenso, the operations of 17th to 24th January 1900, the Battle of Spion Kop, the action at Vaal Kranz, operations on the Tugela Heights 14th to 27th February 1900, the action at Pieter's Hill, and the operations in Natal, March to June 1900, including Laing's Nek. Wilson was mentioned in Despatches four times, received the Queen's Medal with five clasps, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order 'In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa' (London Gazette, 27th September 1901). The DSO insignia were presented to Captain Wilson by the King on 12th March 1902. Promoted to Major in August 1905, Wilson retired from the Army in December 1906. During WW1 he returned to the army and served in France and Egypt from mobilization in August 1914 to November 1916.
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 excellent condition and full working order, with minor signs of use, and some marks and wear to the original bronzed finish of the case. The compass finds North well. The luminous markers no longer glow in the dark. The wooden case is in very good condition, with general signs of use and a few marks.
Dimensions:
Compass: 120mm x 30mm
Box: 170mm x 145mm x 65mm
Weight: 750g (1.2kg inc. box)
