British Prismatic Compass

**Ben Evans** · 12-01-2008, 09:39 PM

Hi all, I dont collect British gear normally but being a hill walker and ex military I just had to buy this compass. It is dated 1943 and has markings of a Mk 3 and was made in London and has a serial number with it. After all these years it still works as good as my Silva, dont know much about these so any info would be great

**Adrian Stevenson** · 12-02-2008, 09:53 AM

Hi Ben, I don't have any info on these, but they are a popular & practical item and they hold their value very well. I only have a bakelite wartime British compass.

Cheers, Ade.

**Ben Evans** · 12-02-2008, 02:49 PM

Thanks Ade, I always wanted one of these in the mob, its great to have one dated 1943

**helmet_guy** · 08-15-2010, 09:52 PM

Hi,
Just found your post,
I have one of these now, is yours filled with oil?? My one is in pieces and missing screws to hold on the glass etc, I wonder if it is possible to get repaired?

**LucN** · 08-22-2010, 06:27 PM

This company repairs compasses:
Compass Repairs - Radiation / Radium risks

I wonder if it is worth it if it really is in a sorry state, they are not that expensive. Topping them up with oil is easy by the way, mine was half empty and I had it filled in a few minutes.

sub boy · 08-30-2010, 07:45 PM

Hi all,
I have one identical to thet but dated 1939. hardly any damage to paintwork,

**boyt44** · 09-28-2010, 01:31 AM

I have one,too, and in researching it, found this website. There are some rather frightening warnings under "Compass fluids". These wartime ones have Radium in them.

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