COMPASS

a) A Standard prismatic compass comprising a brass case partly painted black, with a hinged lid and a ring attached. The perimeter is marked, indicating the points of the compass. There is a hinged eyepiece with a central prism opposite the circular window in the lid. The window has a vertical hairline running down its middle. Inside the case is a metal disk marked in degrees and floating in oil. A button on the side of the case immobilises or releases the disk. A leather ring on its base prevents the case from making contact with another metal. To operate the compass the viewer passes the ring over his thumb and aims the compass at a specific object, aligning the hairline with it and reading its position in degrees. The following is inscribed in base: 'B-L. Made in Switzerland. No. 28747 1915.' This was standard army issue in World War I.
b) Leather pouch with straight sides tapering slightly towards bottom. Its flap is secured by a metal stud which passes through either one of two eyelets. At the back there is a metal loop for a strap. Various initials and numbers are stamped into the leather, of 'C and W Almond. and & M 1904 AIR.' The pouch is therefore 11 years older than the compass.