This, genuine WW2 Mark 1 RAF issue magnetic marching compass a very interesting piece indeed, see below. There are quite a few markings to go through. Made by the Taylor, Taylor & Hobson Group Company Ltd, better known as T.G. Co. Ltd (The Gramophone Company Ltd / Taylor & Hobson Group) — one of the approved wartime suppliers of RAF navigation instruments.

This was the standard magnetic marching compass issued to RAF aircrew, ground crew, and sometimes Army or Home Guard personnel from the early 1940s onward.

On the back, there are several markings and they all have some very interesting points to note. Starting from the top and moving down, the first is “Compass, Magnetic Marching Mark.1.”. The words ‘Marching’ is of interest here, as this means this compass was NOT used in flight, but on the ground instead which is interesting because people don’t often think about what the RAF did on the ground.

Under that we have the war mark (Broad Arrow), the official British Government property mark which interestingly enough, originates from the 14^th century.

Next up we have “B148036” which is a serial or ‘stores’ number. Used for tracking and inspection, each compass was given an individual number during production batches.

Second to last, we have possibly the most interesting mark. “REF. 6E/374”. This is the Air Ministry reference code, which is the key to identifying RAF instruments. The prefix 6E/ designates “Navigation Instruments – Personal Equipment” in RAF stores classification. The “/374” is specifically for the Magnetic Marching Compass Mark 1”. All too often in the world of militaria, there’s an elemnt of piecing information together. But for this, everything is there with clear numbers, telling you what you need to know.

Lastly, “T.G.Co. Ltd” is at the bottom. This is the maker’s mark for The Gramophone Company Ltd, based in Hayes, Middlesex — better known for manufacturing H.M.V. (His Master’s Voice) equipment… yes, that HMV. During WW2, they repurposed part of their production facilities for precision instrument manufacture, including compasses and aircraft parts, under Air Ministry contracts.

Another interesting point to note is that the damping or ‘lock button’ still works, and has done it’s job over the years. This is a small catch that restricts movement of the needle which does two things. 1) it stops the needle moving when the lid is closed which helps to protect the jewel bearings inside. 2) it enables the user to take a steady bearing. Pressing or releasing the button could freeze the needle temporarily so it could be read accurately in the field.

Made out of Bakelite which makes up the folding case, it has a glass cover over the compass and a sighting slot/ mirror in the lid. The hinge is nice and stiff and everything works as should. The bezel for the compass turns as expected, without any binding whatsoever and as stated the damping button works as it should. Aside from some very light surface wear, this is an amazing piece of RAF history from WW2, overall in excellent condition and full working order.

NOTE: The closing catch on this piece is VERY stiff. Open it with care. Lifting the metal tab will open it – just take care not to scratch it.