Great Britain: First World War 1918 dated British Army officer’s compass with association to the Intelligence School, as produced by Sampson Mordan & Co, the renowned silversmiths and instrument makers, this with the manufacturers details, the serial number ‘5157 and the year date ‘1918’ to the reverse, together with the War Office ‘Broad Arrow’ mark. The outer case is in heavy brass with a distinct triangular viewing window on the top cover, this designed to allow quick navigation readings. On opening the lid, there is a polished metal mirror reflecting the compass dial, which allows the bearer to sight a distant landmark whilst simultaneously reading the compass bearing. This form of compass was manufactured during 1917-1918, and this one still retains its fluid, and is in apparent working order. Housed in its standard form brown leather case, this bearing ink inscribed number ‘5225’, which whilst not identical to the serial number of the compass, is near enough to indicate that the case and this compass were originally part of a group which were dispatched together, and the case is further helpfully inscribed in ink: ‘INTELLIGENCE SCHOOL’. The handing strap is complete, and the case is further stamped with the mark of the case manufacturer, ‘Jabez Cliff & Co, Walsall 1918.’ A very good example of type.
Condition: still apparently in working order, overall Very Fine.
