Waltham Compass

[HenryB]

Item closed last nite.
Looks like maybe a bit of bid shrilling by Queenlena.

Never-the-less, the compass looks like it has some real quality.

Any idea on a date of manufacture ?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2253756608

 

[HenryB]

Item closed last nite.
Looks like maybe a bit of bid shrilling by Queenlena.

Never-the-less, the compass looks like it has some real quality.

Any idea on a date of manufacture ?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2253756608

 

[Jon Hanson]

Very common, Henry. I see these regularly from $15. without the box!

 

[HenryB]

Jon
Are all of them stamped "US" on the back of the case?

I was thinking WWI vintage, but somehow I think maybe earlier.

 

[Jon Hanson]

WWI, I believe.

And, yes, I have seen these unstamped "US."

 

[ljrusso]

Henry,
I have seen these here a few times over the last year. All in rather very poor shape. They ended up bringing in about the same level though. None had boxes and I cannot recall them being stamped. Thanks for posting this as I had wanted to myself at some point.

Funny item. My gut feeling would have told me that they are not worth that money but my gut feeling would not have told me only $15. Very interesting!

Cheers

Louis

 

[Greg Crockett]

While it says U.S. on the cover, I don't think this example was ever US Govt. property. The box looks commercial and has a $3.50 price on it. From those I have examined, I think this one may be WWII vintage or slightly before. Most likely boxed and sold after WWII. However, the same configuration has been seen in Govt. issue boxes marked for issue to the US Army Aircorps as part of WWII vintage survival kits. A similar compass in my collection is dated 1917 but it has a nickle case and was made by a different maker.

Best regards,
Greg