Liquid-Filled Military Lensatic Compass

Liquid-Filled Military Lensatic Compass

Find Your Way in Any Situation

This compass is more than just a north-finder. It's a precision navigation instrument that, when used with a map, allows you to plot and follow your course. The folding lensatic sight is used to take accurate bearings on distant objects in the landscape. It consists of a rear sight with a magnifying lens and a hairline sighting wire in the lid. When laying the compass on a map, you can also use the practical ruler scale on its side edge.

• Accurate Bearings: Use the sighting mechanism and the rotating bezel to easily determine the azimuth (the angle from North) to any landmark and follow that bearing.
• Map Work: The straight edge with a scale makes it easy to measure distances directly on your map and plan your next moves.
• Quick Readings: The liquid damping ensures the needle settles much faster than in air-damped compasses, saving you valuable time.

A Piece of History on Your Journeys

This type of compass, often called a "lensatic compass," became standard-issue equipment for many armies during the 20th century. Its design was perfected for the needs of soldiers who required a durable, reliable, and accurate tool for navigating in unfamiliar and often hazardous terrain. Soldiers relied on this type of compass for marches, planning artillery fire, and basic orientation in dense forests or at night. By owning this compass, you hold a piece of proven military technology in your hands.

A Little-Known Historical Fact

Did you know that the liquid filling in compasses wasn't just to dampen the needle's swing? The oil or alcohol filling also significantly increases the instrument's resilience to changes in pressure and temperature. Unlike air-filled compasses, liquid-damped ones work more reliably at high altitudes and in low temperatures, which was crucial for military operations in mountains or during winter.

Technical Specifications

Review the key features of this compass in a clearly arranged table.

Care and Maintenance for a Long Life

To ensure your compass serves you for as long as possible while retaining its accuracy and appearance, follow a few simple rules:

• Cleanliness: Keep the compass clean. If it gets dirty, wipe it with a soft, dry cloth.
• Storage: To maintain accuracy, store it away from strong magnetic fields. Avoid placing it on speakers, electronics, or near powerful magnets.
• Impact Protection: Although the case is very durable, protect the compass from drops onto hard surfaces. A severe impact could damage the delicate internal mechanism.

You should never attempt to open the sealed liquid capsule. Also, do not expose the compass to extreme temperatures (for example, leaving it on a car dashboard in direct sunlight), as this could cause a bubble to form in the liquid, affecting its performance.