This type of British military compass is called Verner's pattern after its designer's name, Colonel William Willoughby Cole Verner. It has a brass case (part black lacquered), Mother of Pearl dial (to enhance reading in low level light), and a gemstone pivot bearing; circa 1917. To protect the dial when not in use it has a transit lock that can be activated after lid closure. In use it can be sited on to a point in the distance and the bearing from North read off the compass dial through a prismatic lens.
Dimensions: 7.5 cm/2⅞ inches (length) x 5.25 cm/2⅛ inches (width) x 2 cm/¾ inch (thick).
