United Kingdom - Compass - 1910-1920

08
days
12
hours
19
minutes
32
seconds
Current bid
€ 55
No reserve price
Marcel van Hulst
Expert
Selected by Marcel van Hulst

Over 35 years trading and collecting militaria with deep industry knowledge.

Estimate  € 150 - € 200
11 other people are watching this object
ITBidder 6399
€55
ITBidder 0965
€50
ITBidder 6399
€45

Catawiki Buyer Protection

Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details

Trustpilot 4.4 | 129461 reviews

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.

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.

AI-assisted summary

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

Welcome to Beautiful Old England. We specialise in Antiquarian Books, Antique Surgical Instruments, art and collectibles from old England, for collectors all over the world. We have supplied customers in over 30 countries, nearly all with same day despatch.

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

Welcome to Beautiful Old England. We specialise in Antiquarian Books, Antique Surgical Instruments, art and collectibles from old England, for collectors all over the world. We have supplied customers in over 30 countries, nearly all with same day despatch.

Details

Era
1900-2000
Manufacturer/brand
Robert Stafford
Country of origin
United Kingdom
Material
Brass, Leather
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
6.5 cm
Width
9 cm
Depth
9 cm
Military Context
Yes
Estimated period
1910-1920
Authenticity
Original/official
Comes with certificate of authenticity
No
United KingdomVerified
527
Objects sold
100%
protop

Similar objects

For you in

Historical Memorabilia