1940 British Army Lensatic Compass w/ Radium Paint

1940 British Army Lensatic Compass w/ Radium Paint (image 1/1)
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This is a true lensatic sighting compass used by the British army in WW II. Inscribed on the back, is: T. G. Co., London, No. B24096, 1940 MK III, and the inverted "V "ordnance symbol. As distinct from current low priced "lensatic" compasses which seem to have a lens that serves no useful purpose, this compass has two powerful magnifying lenses, essentially a compound microscope, mounted in a prism assembly that magnify the compass dial with it's 360 engraved marks such that reading may be made to a single degree of precision. You read the bearing while sighting on a distant landmark through the rear slit, and along the hairline engraved on the cover glass. The prism assembly is mounted on two vertical bars, so that the prism and lenses may be raised or lowered to assure that a sharp image of the compass graduations is seen, regardless of the user's eyesight. This is a prime example of the true lensatic sighting compass! The rotating inner glass cover over the compass dial is marked in 5 degree increments up to 360 degrees, and is used to sight offsets from a baseline, typically directly from a topographic map. T is a clamp and screw to secure this rotating cover, but the screw threads are stripped in the case. The cover is snug fitting, and really does not require the locking feature. Now, a few words about the radium paint, and read more
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