Questions about Pattern 37 web kit

**MarkV** · 02-07-2010, 11:53 PM

by Herman

Hi Mark,
In your pictures the belt looks dated 194..X - above the Captain's name. I can't make it out from your post but would be great if WW2 dated?
When dark outside, if you have a flourescent tube light at home (say in the shed or garage?) try holding it up underneath - switched on :-), sometimes this light helps to pick out markings better.
If the pistol ammo pouch or bayo frog are dated, it may give some clue to the age of the belt?

Hi Herman,

I just can't make out the last digit on the belt - I bought it from a reputable source who indicated it was 1942 but I can only take his word for that. The ammo pouch and bayo frog are also unreadable.

I have since picked up a nice 1941 dated compass pouch and a 1942 dated holster for my 1942 38/200 Smith & Wesson British Service Revolver. I'm slowly putting it all together - the Euro exchange rate is slowing me down!! lol

Mark

**boyt44** · 02-08-2010, 11:32 PM

On the subject of compass pouches-I just got a MkIII compass from eBay today, and I'm a bit suprised by the thickness and heaviness of it-was the pat.37 compass pouch intended for this one? I have one stored away with all my DR gear (for my BSA M20),but I haven't tried to fit this compass in it yet-it seems much too thick to fit.

One last question: Are parts available anywhere for the Mk III? i need the wire 'bail',and the two tiny screws to secure it to the compass.

**Adrian Stevenson** · 02-08-2010, 11:42 PM

Hi, and welcome to the forum!

Try and search for a specialised compass collectors site: I know these exist. I don't know of any militaria dealers who stock parts.

I have never actually tried my MKIII compass in a pouch either.....

Here is the bakelite marching compass in the pouch from my collection. As you can see, it is a much slimmer item.

Cheers, Ade.

**MarkV** · 02-09-2010, 12:07 AM

Aww, now you've done it Ade! Now I have to find a compass for the pouch I have!! lol

**boyt44** · 02-09-2010, 12:29 AM

After I posted,I googled 'Mk III compass parts',and found a company that restores and repairs compasses,these Mk IIIs among them. The radioactivity of these things is rather frightening-lots of scary warnings on that site. I promptly washed my hands and put it well away! Hopefully he will have parts.

I also went down and dug out my compass pouch-no way would that MkIII fit in it. It does fit quite well in the regular 'ammo' pouch,though. I also will have to eventually find one of those other compasses.

**jimpy** · 02-09-2010, 03:05 AM

Hi boyt44

The easiest way to differentiate between the 37ptn compass pouch and pistol ammunition pouch is the compass pouch is usually felt, (or similar), padded on the inside.

Regards etc

Ian

AKA: Jimpy

**boyt44** · 02-26-2010, 11:46 PM

Well, I have one of those bakelite marching compasses on the way to me now,courtesy of eBay. Suprisingly,I was the only bidder.
I was unable to find a thumb ring for my MkIII, but I suppose eventually, one will turn up. I didn't even bother to bid on an Australian version of the MkIII recently,and it went for $11 (D'oh!)

**MarkV** · 03-02-2010, 01:05 AM

I received the Mk I that I found on the UK eBay site a few weeks ago. The mirror is a bit worn in places but overall it's in nice shape. And, it came with the original instruction sheet that fits inside the case.