A beautifully preserved piece of First World War history, this antique pocket compass was made by F. Darton & Co., London, in 1916 and bears the British Government Broad Arrow mark, confirming it as an official British military-issued instrument.
With its elegant watch-style hunter case, it could easily be mistaken for an antique pocket watch until opened to reveal the distinctive black-and-white Singer's Patent floating compass dial. The dial remains fully functional and sensitive, moving freely on its jewelled pivot and repeatedly returning to north. It is remarkable to find the mechanism still working so precisely after more than a century.
The case is marked on the outside 'F. DARTON & CO. LONDON V', 'No. 78738' and '1916', together with the British Government Broad Arrow. The V denotes the Mark V pattern, an early British military compass of the First World War. These compact watch-style instruments are best known as British Army officers' pocket compasses and they provided a practical and easily carried means of navigation in the battlefield.
The beautifully made nickel-plated hunter case is stamped '42262 M' inside and was almost certainly manufactured by Dennison of Birmingham, the renowned British watch-case maker who supplied cases to F. Darton & Co. during this period.
A fascinating survivor from 1916, this is an unusual antique with appeal far beyond military collecting — equally interesting to those drawn to WWI history, British manufacturing, horology, antique scientific instruments, or beautifully made objects with a story behind them.
DETAILS~
CASE SIZE: 45cm (1-3/4 inch) diameter excluding the stem
WEIGHT: 53.8 grams
CONDITION: Very good antique condition and fully functional. The case is very well preserved for its age, with light surface wear. There is a very slight, shallow thumb depression to one side of the case, only noticeable on close inspection, an evocative reminder of it being used. The opening mechanism operates perfectly, closing securely with a firm click. The original glass crystal has a few small chips around the inner edge. These are confined to the inside edge of the glass; the outside glass remains smooth and free from damage, so the compass presents very well when viewed from above. Please inspect the photos and note the antique box and watch chain are not included in purchase
______
At Mercy Madge we offer quality antique and vintage jewellery sourced in Great Britain. All of our pieces are professionally cleaned and polished, ensuring they are ready to wear and enjoy, or present as a thoughtful gift.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
* Free Worldwide Shipping
We are pleased to offer complimentary worldwide shipping on all purchases. For our US and EU customers, all applicable tariffs and import charges are included in the purchase price, so no additional duties or fees will be payable on delivery.
* Returns Policy
If for any reason you are not completely satisfied, you may return your item for a refund. Please contact us within 3 days of receiving your order and return the item within 7 days.
* Gemstone Testing & Measurements
All gemstones have been tested and verified using a Presidium Gemstone Tester. Please note that all measurements and stated carat weights are approximate.
* Photography & Scale
Our photographs are taken in extreme close-up to show every fine detail. As a result, minor imperfections may appear more pronounced in images than they do to the naked eye. Close-up photography can also make pieces appear larger on screen, so we recommend referring carefully to the written description for precise dimensions.
* Gifting
Purchasing as a gift? Your jewellery will arrive beautifully gift wrapped in a custom Mercy Madge jewellery box. Please note that unless otherwise stated, any antique boxes shown in photographs are for display purposes only and are not included in the sale.
