Verner’s Pattern VII compass and Case: Significance

 

This compass was issued and used during the first world war by a soldier in the 13^th battalion of the Rifle Brigade, which was stationed in France and Belgium (Rowlands, 1932). It is thought to have been used from 1916 as part of the soldier’s kit issued by the British War office. The battalion was a part of the battle of the Somme, and the battle of Arras, although it is unknown if the compass or its owner were present for these battles (Rowlands, 1932). The compass has remained within the family, passing to the son and grandson of the original owner.

The compass and case demonstrate a distinctive style synonymous with Verner’s pattern compasses, as well as displaying craftsmanship and precision engineering associated with a precision navigation instrument (Figure1) (Hutchinson, 1915). The craftsmanship and manufacture of the compass and case convey the style and value of the past and the regional variations to design (Combs, 2003).

Figure 1: Verner's Pattern VII compass issued during the First World War, and demonstrating the Verner's style of compass

The social significance of the compass derives from the personal emotional connections that derive from it remaining within the family and providing a tangible link to a family member and significant events within the family history.

Research significance is diminished by the condition of the compass, with parts of the compass missing (figure 2). Additionally, its future value is impacted by a stability and safety assessment conducted on the possible radium paint identified. The safety of the compass and case will significantly impact the value as a large part of the associated value comes from its useability, sentimental and aesthetic values, which would be compromised if safety concerns made the compass unable to be displayed or handled (Appelbaum, 2007).

Figure 2: The previous location of the finger ring can be identified by the holes which would have secured it to the compass. 

The condition also impacts the values associated with an object. The repair of the dial with household tape reduced the authenticity of the object by the inclusion of new materials (figure 3) (Appelbaum, 2007).

Figure 3: The fractured mother-of-pearl dial. The tape keeping the dial in place has yellowed.

The leather case also displays scratches associated with age-related wear. Of note, however, is the cracking of the leather on the strap, likely from the movement of the leather through the buckle (figure 4). Cracking is also appearing on the side of the case, likely occurring from the case's opening. This wear, however, also demonstrates how the compass case was being used in the past.

Figure 4: The cracking of the leather likely from the movement of the leather through the buckle.

  

References:

Appelbaum, B., 2007. Conservation Treatment Methodology. Oxford: Elsevier.

Combs, J. H., 2003. The Antiques Trade: The Diffusion of America's Cultural Patrimony. Material Culture, 35(1), pp. 42-54.

Hutchinson, H. D., 1915. MILITARY SKETCHING MADE EASY, AND MILITARY MAPS EXPLAINED. 7th ed. London: Gale & Polden LTD..

Rowlands, D. H., 1932. For the Duration: The Story of the Thirteenth Battalion the Rifle Brigade. London: Simpkin Marshall Limited.