NAM.1960-07-222-1

Prismatic compass, service pattern, Mark VI, with brown leather case, 1895-1918 (c). Brass casing with hinged lid, circular glass window and fiducial wire. Fittings around side of compass include a notch to hold moveable glass cover of the dial, for setting true bearings; a sliding notch to hold the compass dial fixed for travelling; on the left is a pin that pushes in to hold the dial fixed for short periods; brass collar around compass gives degrees in units of ten and sixteen compass points. Dial has two scales, engraved in black on Mother of Pearl; inner is for approximate sightings, outer for taking bearings with prism. Centre of the dial is coated with what was once luminous paint and indicates the four main compass directions. On bottom: of compass is a small ring of leather to hold it on tilted surface. Brown leather case with hinged lid; a strap comes over the side to fasten the lid with buckle; it has three leather tags for a shoulder strap. Belonged to Brig William Marshall Fordham, 20th Duke of Cambridge's Own Infantry (Brownlow's Punjabies), probably during World War One. Made by Barker and Son, London.

World War One (1914-1918)