This is an original WW2 British prismatic marching compass, complete with its leather case and full-length carrying strap, and named to an individual owner, A.H. Goodban of Headington, Oxford.

Compasses of this type were standard issue for British Army officers and specialist troops, used for navigation in the field. The design features a blackened brass body with a rotating 360-degree dial, folding prism sight, and internal wire sight line, allowing accurate bearings to be taken while simultaneously viewing the dial. The thumb ring and robust construction made these compasses well suited to active service conditions.

The compass itself is a typical wartime British example, consistent in form and construction with those produced during the early to mid-war period. While the maker is not clearly defined here, the overall build quality and materials are entirely correct for the era.

Of particular note is the scratched ownership inscription reading “A H Goodban, 12 York Rd, Headington,” which is consistent with wartime practice. It was common for officers and other personnel to mark their equipment with their name and home address, both for identification and to aid in the return of lost kit. This transforms the piece from a standard example into a named, personal item with clear potential for further research.

The compass is housed in its original brown leather case, which remains in very good condition with strong stitching and a rich, even finish. The accompanying leather strap is also present and remains supple, allowing the compass to be worn around the neck or shoulder as intended.

The overall condition is very good. The dial is clean and clearly legible, the prism is intact, and the sighting wire remains in place. The case shows only light, honest wear from use, and the strap is complete and usable. As with all original compasses of this type, functionality has not been formally tested for accuracy, but the needle appears free-moving.

A solid and complete example of a WW2 British military compass, made more desirable by its named owner and complete field setup, this is a strong addition to any collection of British Army equipment or personal wartime items.