Original Item: Only One Available. Utilized by German pilots during WWII, these wrist compasses were made by Kadlec in Prague, Czechoslovakia and introduced as AK-39 (Armband-Kompass (wrist compass) 1939) to the Luftwaffe, though this one is not marked with maker information. The back of the black bakelite housing is marked with the maker and model information:

Armbandkompaß

Baumuster: AK 39
Werk Nr. : 3822673
Anforderz.: FL 23235

The Luftwaffe register number is Fl23235 with Fl standing for Fliegermaterial i.e. aeronautical materiel and the overall diameter is 60 mm. The liquid inside is pure petroleum (kerosene) and can be exchanged or refilled during inspection.

This early model allowed the setting of a course by means of the clear top housing, which rotates and has a white guide across the top. There is also a central red circle to help indicate when the compass is level. Later versions had a transparent bottom, which allowed for more complex orientation procedures, and were made of white bakelite instead of dark brown.

Offered in excellent original condition, with the original armband still in great shape.