Sabrejet Posted December 11, 2015 Share #1 Posted December 11, 2015 The Lensatic Compass (sometimes called a marching compass) was a Corps of Engineers item which was generally issued to Army officers and senior NCOs. It was carried in a small, snap-closed webbing pouch which was suspended from the belt. The pouch was treated with a waterproofing agent which gave it a slightly greasy feel. Thanks are due to fellow forum-er Ronnie67 who kindly supplied me with the case after having seen my compass in another thread. It's a small but important item and one which is not easy to source in the UK! (Thanks Andy!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted December 11, 2015 Author Share #2 Posted December 11, 2015 Cont'd... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted December 11, 2015 Author Share #3 Posted December 11, 2015 Cont'd... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGrayGhost Posted December 11, 2015 Share #4 Posted December 11, 2015 Nice looking compass, appears to be in great condition. I always did enjoy these, not sure why, just think they are cool. That is a great looking case you got to go with it too! Thanks for sharing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted December 11, 2015 Author Share #5 Posted December 11, 2015 Nice looking compass, appears to be in great condition. I always did enjoy these, not sure why, just think they are cool. That is a great looking case you got to go with it too! Thanks for sharing! Thanks for the kind comments GG! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccyooper Posted December 11, 2015 Share #6 Posted December 11, 2015 Very nice. Early superior with appropriate 2 tone pouch. Great set up for 43 and later Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeuceGI Posted December 14, 2015 Share #7 Posted December 14, 2015 I'll echo: very nice setup. The pouches are surprisingly hard to find on the loose on this side of the Atlantic as well. I spent years looking for a pouch at a reasonable price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted December 14, 2015 Author Share #8 Posted December 14, 2015 Thanks fellers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerry_k Posted December 29, 2015 Share #9 Posted December 29, 2015 Your last pouch was repro? Can you post a pic here. Thanks, Jerry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mruiz Posted December 31, 2015 Share #10 Posted December 31, 2015 Thanks for sharing. Nice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BOLO Posted January 1, 2016 Share #11 Posted January 1, 2016 looks like a perfect match to go along with your WWII compass here's one of mine, it's an early WW2 model This compass is one of the first models without any markings on the case made in the early years prior to WWII probably around 1939 - 1940 era. The web carry pouch is also an early WWII pouch with "Dura Snaps" often seen with the unmarked Lensatic compass like mine, and are considered rare and not as common as the later lift the dot type pouches mfg later. the dial shows a maker mark: W. & L. E. GURLEY - TROY, N.Y. , U.S.A. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccyooper Posted January 3, 2016 Share #12 Posted January 3, 2016 Bolo, Interesting, I was under the impression that the early pouch had zippers and was first used in very late 40 and most likely in 41. At one time I had a pretty significant collection of compasses and pouches and my research and observations led me to believe that the dura snap pouches started being used in limited numbers in the august/Sep 44 time frame. Just my opinion, but I think they were a rush order to fulfill shortages lost during june/Jul operations. Do you have any pictures or reference material that would substantiate your observations? While I really don't actively collect compasses anymore I still like to update my references. Regards, CC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabrejet Posted January 3, 2016 Author Share #13 Posted January 3, 2016 For Jerry, as requested.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerry_k Posted January 5, 2016 Share #14 Posted January 5, 2016 Thanks. Well done repo. cheers, Jerry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldabewla Posted January 6, 2016 Share #15 Posted January 6, 2016 I agree with you CC the Army zipper compass pouch is the first type used. The early version Army zipper type compass pouch was used more by the AAF and was barrow by the paratroopers in D-Day and that's why they bring rear good money. This dome snap buttons compass pouch is a later rarer version pouch on the same platform as the first aid jungle pouch types observed with dome snaps or the LTD as found on the AAF survival pouch in the same configuration. Bolo, Interesting, I was under the impression that the early pouch had zippers and was first used in very late 40 and most likely in 41. At one time I had a pretty significant collection of compasses and pouches and my research and observations led me to believe that the dura snap pouches started being used in limited numbers in the august/Sep 44 time frame. Just my opinion, but I think they were a rush order to fulfill shortages lost during june/Jul operations. Do you have any pictures or reference material that would substantiate your observations? While I really don't actively collect compasses anymore I still like to update my references. Regards, CC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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