WWII-era British military wrist compass

This is a WWII-era British military wrist compass (officially designated “Compass, Survival, Wrist Type,” Air Ministry Ref. No. 6B/2593), issued primarily to RAF aircrew (pilots and navigators) as part of escape and evasion/survival kits, but also widely used by British airborne forces, paratroopers, SAS, SOE, and commandos.

Key Features

•  Blackened metal case (brass or steel) with a hinged hunter-style lid containing a mirror (for signaling).

•  Dry-card design (non-liquid/air-damped compass card – no fluid visible, with a floating card that settles more slowly than liquid-filled types). The central thumb screw rotates the bezel for sighting/bearings.

•  Luminous markings (originally radium paint for night visibility).

•  Long khaki herringbone twill webbing strap (designed to wear over flying suits, sleeves, thigh, or ankle).

•  Back markings: REF No. 6B/2593 (or similar worn variant like N968/2593), SER No. in “B/” format (B often denoting manufacturer Francis Barker & Son). Close-up photo clearly shows the dry floating card (white/silver with black markings, no damping fluid or bubbles), distinguishing it from the more common liquid-filled variants of the same model.

These were produced from the early 1940s through the post-war period (your serial/year code suggests 1950s–1960s production). Dry versions are authentic but less frequently encountered intact, as many liquid ones leaked over time.

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