United Kingdom - Compass - 1910-1920






Over 35 years trading and collecting militaria with deep industry knowledge.
| €55 | ||
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| €50 | ||
| €45 | ||
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A British World War I prismatic field compass (dated 1917/1918) with a heavy-duty bridle leather case stamped “R. Stafford 1918,” made of brass and leather, measuring 9 x 6.5 cm, good condition, original/official authenticity, no certificate of authenticity, fully operational.
Description from the seller
An exceptional, investment-grade piece of British Great War history. This prismatic field compass (1917)is presented in its original, heavy-duty bridle leather case, clearly stamped "R. Stafford 1918."
Robert Stafford was a renowned leather craftsman of the era, and this case—built to withstand the rigors of the front line—has protected this precision instrument for over a century. The compass itself is in full working order, featuring a mobile dial and clear optics, the dial can be held static by a screw on the side when the compass is not in use.
This is the perfect centre piece for a militaria collection or a high-end gift for a history enthusiast. It represents the final, refined equipment issued to British Officers during the closing year of the First World War. These were "Prismatic" compasses, meaning they have a flip-up prism that allows a soldier to read the bearing while simultaneously sighting a landmark.
Highlights:
Date: 1917/1918 (Final years of WWI).
Case Maker: R. Stafford (Stamped and legible).
Functionality: Fully operational.
Aesthetic: The leather has a rich, dark "chocolate" patina that only comes with a century of age.
Measures 9 x 6.5cm (3.5" x 2.56").
Seller's Story
An exceptional, investment-grade piece of British Great War history. This prismatic field compass (1917)is presented in its original, heavy-duty bridle leather case, clearly stamped "R. Stafford 1918."
Robert Stafford was a renowned leather craftsman of the era, and this case—built to withstand the rigors of the front line—has protected this precision instrument for over a century. The compass itself is in full working order, featuring a mobile dial and clear optics, the dial can be held static by a screw on the side when the compass is not in use.
This is the perfect centre piece for a militaria collection or a high-end gift for a history enthusiast. It represents the final, refined equipment issued to British Officers during the closing year of the First World War. These were "Prismatic" compasses, meaning they have a flip-up prism that allows a soldier to read the bearing while simultaneously sighting a landmark.
Highlights:
Date: 1917/1918 (Final years of WWI).
Case Maker: R. Stafford (Stamped and legible).
Functionality: Fully operational.
Aesthetic: The leather has a rich, dark "chocolate" patina that only comes with a century of age.
Measures 9 x 6.5cm (3.5" x 2.56").
