A Francis Barker M-73 prismatic military compass. Made in England, the M-73 is still in production, manufactured by Pyser Optics Ltd of Edenbridge in Kent, who now own the Barker name and make the M-88 and M-73 compasses. The compass is calibrated in MILS and was made for the British Army - marked on the base with the broad arrow, showing that it was official British military issue. Some M-73s have no maker's marks, others just have the wording 'M-73 Pat. Appl.', but this one is very well marked, with the NATO stock number, serial number, and broad arrow engraved on the base. The original owner used this compass while serving with British armed forces during mine clearance operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Manufacturer's Description: 'The M-73 is built to full military specifications. It will operate with precision accuracy to within half a degree, in temperatures from 55°C (131°F) down to -30°C (-22°F). It is shock resistant, and built to withstand the roughest and toughest conditions you are likely to encounter anywhere in the world'.
The Francis Barker M-73 compass is a direct descendant of the legendary Mk III that was in use throughout the second world war. Produced in the UK, it was a development of the Barker M-71 and M-72 compasses which were made in very limited quantities from 1971-72, before being replaced by the M-73 in 1973. The M-73 remains in production today, is regarded as the world's finest liquid prismatic compass, and is standard military issue with many armed forces. Further details of the M-73 can be found in Paul Crespel's book Trade mark London, available to view as a PDF at trademarklondon.com. Full specifications for the M-73 can also be found at the Pyseroptics.com website.
Condition:
The compass is in very good condition, good working order, and finds North very well. There is some wear to the black painted finish of the case, and a few marks. The glass, compass card and prism are all in very good condition. There are no bubbles in the compass fluid. The self-luminous night lights have now expired and no longer glow in the dark.
Dimensions: 85mm x 60mm x 34mm
Weight: 220g
