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Air Ministry P-8 aircraft compass

Code: M23486

Dimensions:

Stores reference 6A/726. Pilots' compass for the setting or reading of the course of the aeroplane.  It consists of a compass bowl resting on anti-vibration mountings in the container, which would be mounted directly on the aeroplane.  A lockable rotating grid ring carrying two parallel wires across its centre is turned by hand to bring the wires parallel to the magnets, and the course is then shown on the scale round the grid ring.  Constructed in painted brass.  The sealed bowl is filled with a mixture of alcohol and distilled water and this example still has much of this fluid remaining.  Many compassed lack this, the fluid having long since evaporated.  As fitted in Spitfires and many other wartime fighter aircraft. Light chipping/wear and the paint on the base is flaking.  Air Ministry marked data/reference plate. With original wooden transit case having October 1941 and April 1942 inspection marks. A very good example.  Stock code M23486.