World War I & II Military Compasses
Fine selection of various 20th Century Military and Pocket Compasses.
20th Century Marching Compass
The Creagh-Osborne Compass
Frank Osborne Creagh-Osborne (1867-1943), Superintendent of Compasses in the Royal Navy, introduced this type of instrument in 1917. The bottom of this example is marked "U.S.E.D. CREAGH-OSBORNE MARCHING COMPASS MARK VII MOD. E SPERRY GYROSCOPE CO. BROOKLYN, N.Y." Here, “U.S.E.D.” stands for United States Engineer Department (aka Army Corps of Engineers). The Sperry Gyroscope Company was established by Elmer Ambrose Sperry in 1910 and became the Sperry Corporation in 1933.
Ref: E.A.R., “The Creagh-Osborne Compass,” The Geographical Journal 49 (1917): 63-65.
Featured in The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
20th century Horseshoe Compass
1910 'Armeemodell I.' Bezard Compass- WWI
'Armeemodell I.' Used by the Austro-Hungarian Army during World War I. The hinging lid is made from white metal that has been painted black on the inside and holds a paper arrow attached by two small grub screws. There is a keyhole shaped aperture in the lid with a thin slot cut down each side. There is an arrow and the word 'DIREKTION' impressed into the top of the lid. At the curved edge there is a securing ring with a length of black cord attached. The bottom half of the compass is made from bakelite and holds the compass workings, the arrow and face. The lens of the compass has been edged in black degree marks. Each 45 degree point is marked in red letters i.e N, NE, E, SE, S etc. Across the face of the dial is the text 'PATENT BEZARD' in red letters.
Featured in The Compass Museum.
Featured in the Australian War Memorial.
20th century folding compass
Swiss Wooden Compass by Stoppani
Circa 1920.
Dimensions: 95 x 82 x 18 mm
Weight (w/o case): 580 gr
Case material: brass. Vanes fold into side slots.
Transit lock: a big flat head screw
Box material: light wood lined with felt
Divisions: 400 grades counter-clockwise.
Ruler: 70 mm
Featured in The Compass Museum.
Featured in Vermont's Society of Land Surveyors, The Cornerpost (page 17).
20th century wrist compass
1944 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Compass- WWII
Original WWII U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wrist Compass by Superior Magneto Corporation with Web Wristband. Green plastic cased compass approximately 55mm diameter. Engraved to base 'Corps of Engineers U.S. Army Manufactured by Superior Magneto Corp. L.I.City N.Y. U.S.A.'. Olive drab webbing strap with blued steel buckles. The bezel is split otherwise in good condition. Oil filled (air bubble present) and in good working order. Issued to the Army Air Force aircrew and US Airborne combat units in "Escape and Evasion" kits.
Featured in The Compass Museum.
20th century marching compass
1939 British MkIII Prismatic Compass- WWII
Original British WWII Dunkirk Era Mk.III Army Marching Compass. Dated 1939.
Encased in a solid brass body painted black with white lettering, this is a British MkIII Prismatic Marching Compass. These were originally introduced in 1932, and are well-known for their accuracy and quality of construction. The Compass Card (dial) is mother of pearl, and it floats in water to dampen the movement. The compass is Maker Marked on the back of the case, inside the rubber resting ring.
Signed 'T.G. Co LTD., LONDON, No 88601, 1939, MkIII
20th century folding compass
U.S. Department of Engineers Wooden Compass- WWI
1918 COMPASS U.S. ENGINEER DEPARTMENT BY W. & L.E. GURLEY, TROY, N.Y.
20th century reverse compass
Vintage Japanese & American Pocket Compasses
U.S. Forestry Pocket Compass by Keuffel & Esser
Lutz Japan Reverse Compass
Similar Model Featured in the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.