A very early version of the Mark VI Verner's Patent prismatic marching compass, made by J. H. Steward in 1902. This is one of the very first Mk VI compasses to be made, as almost all the known examples date from c.1905 onwards (further details of Verner's Mk VI dating can be found at compasscollector.com ). The Mk VI was intended to be a replacement for the Mk V and other earlier Verner military compasses. The compass has the maker's mark 'J. H. Steward, London', the date 1902, and the serial number '779' engraved on the lid. The compass is in very good condition, in full working order and comes complete with its original fitted leather case.
The Verner's Mk VI was produced between c.1902-1914, and was standard issue to British Officers at the start of WW1. Versions of the design were made by both J. H. Steward and Francis Barker & Son. It was replaced soon after the start of the war by later developments such as the Mk VII. This example features a mother of pearl compass card, with a central section with black hand-painted markers over a luminous painted paper background. The type of luminous paint used was most probably a version of 'Balmain's Luminous Paint' - a compound of calcium sulphide, made luminous by exposure to sunlight or, as suggested in the original instructions, by burning a strip of magnesium ribbon near the compass card. It was patented in England in 1877 by William Balmain, and was often used in compasses, before the introduction of Radium paint rendered it obsolete just before WW1. There are no 'broad arrow' service markings on the compass, so it may well have been an officer's private purchase item.
J. H. Steward Ltd: James Henry Steward (1817-1896) established his business in London in 1852 as a maker and retailer of optical, scientific, military and surveying instruments. J.H. Steward was the head optician of the company and had businesses at 406 Strand, 457 West Strand and 54 Cornhill in London. In the mid 1800s he became the optician to Her Majesty's Government and the National Rifle, and National Artillery Associations. James Henry Steward died in 1896. J. H. Steward Ltd was incorporated in 1912 and continued in business in London until 1973. The main London office was sold in 1971, and from 1971-1973 the company rented premises in Catherine Street. All the remaining stock and long serving staff member George Goble (c.1916-1975) were moved to Catherine Street. The business finally moved to 154a Church Road, Hove, Sussex in 1973, before finally ceasing trading in 1975.
Lt-Colonel William Willoughby Cole Verner (1852-1922): was a British army officer who served on the staff in the Egyptian campaign of 1884-85 and during the Boer War. He retired as a Lt-Colonel in May 1904. The earliest Verner designs were simple pocket compasses, with the various models of the service pattern, Mk III to Mk VII, appearing between c.1900-1918. His prismatic compasses were essentially a development of the Schmalcalder Patent design of the early 19th century, but they remained the standard service compass of the British army until the start of WW2. As well as designing compasses, Verner was a prolific author, military historian and chronicler of the Rifle Brigade.
Condition:
The compass is in very good condition, full working order, and finds North well. The brass case, glass and compass card are in very good condition. Most of the original bronzed finish to the brass case has worn away over time. The fitted leather case is in very good condition.
Dimensions : 52mm diameter (70mm inc. prism)
