RHODESIAN ARMY COMPASS
An original solid brass compass from the Rhodesian Army made by Henry Browne & Son LTD Barking & London (makers mark on the back). On the face of the compass it is marked 'RA1554' (The 'RA' is for Rhodesian Army). It is undated. The compass still has almost all of its original black paint work and there is a bubble (please see images), the dials are clear, the prism is fully functional for dial reading.
Kit from the days of the Rhodesian War are rare and highly collectable!
Some history: An interesting story here. These serial numbers were engraved in the Rhodesian armaments section by Mike Hesketh (RMC Captain retired) and Terry Marsh ex school of infantry (RSM) who ran the engraving departments as civillians retreds for the Rhodesian Army. These compasses were refurbished by WO2 Boynes who was in charge of the instrument section for the KG6(King George 6th) barracks. Compasses of the same pattern were bought by various means for the army from various sources to circumvent the sanctions that were in place during the Rhodesian War. The only people with more sophisticated compasses were the artillery and mortar platoons. Prior to engraving the numbers on the compasses with the pantagraoh machine, most of the compasses were stamped with the serial numbers. This compass was obtained from a disposal contractor in Zimbabwe(Rhodesia). Most of them were in very poor state and damaged, and I was pleasantly surprised to find the 'RA' markings still in tact as various other items I purchased had the 'RA' removed and replaced with 'ZA'.
Markings: RA1554, Sestrel Trade Mark, Henry Browne & Son LTD Barking & London, no.17829
Sestrel is the Trade Mark brand of Henry Browne & Son who were important British compass makers.
HENRY BROWNE & SON, Ltd was established in (18..?) in Barking, London (Essex). They were respected English instrument makers that had been making fine quality compasses, ship's clocks, inclinometers, sextants, and chandlery items for over 140 years. Their “Dead Beat“ compass design is well dampened and serves to reduce oscillations. It is reported that this design compass was fitted to many Allied ships during WW II. Over the more recent years, there has been a consolidation of British instrument makers and the firm of Henry Browne & Son has changed hands a number of times. At last count, it became part of Lilley & Gillie for what may be the second time. - info from: http://www.compassmuseum.com/nautical/nautical_2.html
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