Share your favorites on Show & Tell

WW2 RAF escape compass

In Military and Wartime > World War Two > Show & Tell and Tools and Hardware > Compasses > Show & Tell.
Jono's loves483 of 722The Cigarette caseAsian Mask Pair with Chipped Gold Leaf
6
Love it
0
Like it

pops52pops52 loves this.
JonoJono loves this.
tom61375tom61375 loves this.
SEAN68SEAN68 loves this.
vetraio50vetraio50 loves this.
blunderbuss2blunderbuss2 loves this.
See 4 more
Add to collection

    Please create an account, or Log in here

    If you don't have an account, create one here.


    Create a Show & TellReport as inappropriate


    Posted 11 years ago

    OCAD
    (17 items)

    This is a WW2 RAF escape compass worn on the trouser fly button. Unfortunately only the base remains, but the second part of this set would have been near identical in appearance to this piece, save for the pin.

    With the set placed on a level surface, the second part would have rested on the pin and would have swung towards magnetic north, indicated by two glow in the dark dots. This piece is one such style of an RAF compass, but perhaps the most noted examples are those hidden in the gilt RAF tunic buttons.

    The featured compass has an interesting story. The OCAD Collection acquired an RAF Officer's uniform grouping, including service cap, service dress and raincoat, attributed to an RAF pilot who was regrettably killed in action. Going through the pockets this compass was found. Perhaps the second section or another version of an escape compass was attached to the uniform worn by the officer on his last mission.

    logo
    World War Two
    See all
    Beautiful 2 Reichspfennig Nazi Coin: Genuine Bronze Third Reich Germany WW2-era
    Beautiful 2 Reichspfennig Nazi Coin...
    $7
    WWII Type Model M1 Garand Bayonet 1903 Springfield 1903A3 Knife Black USED
    WWII Type Model M1 Garand Bayonet 1...
    $64
    Original Steel Helmet SSh 40 WWII Russian Military Soviet Army RKKA WW2
    Original Steel Helmet SSh 40 WWII R...
    $35
    Nazi 1 Reichspfennig Coin and Swastika Stamp Set Third Reich WW2 Germany Lot
    Nazi 1 Reichspfennig Coin and Swast...
    $13
    logo
    Beautiful 2 Reichspfennig Nazi Coin: Genuine Bronze Third Reich Germany WW2-era
    Beautiful 2 Reichspfennig Nazi Coin...
    $7
    See all

    Comments

    1. pops52 pops52, 11 years ago
      Very unique and interesting!

    Want to post a comment?

    Create an account or login in order to post a comment.