Physical description

A plane table compass, sometimes referred to as a trough compass, used by surveyors and artillery crew to accurately establish magnetic north.
The compass is precision machined of brass material with a long needle to ensure accuracy. The compass scale is marked with a centre zero (for magnetic north) and graduations indicating plus and minus five degrees. The compass is housed in a protective wooden case with a sliding lid. The lid has a brass slide which locks the compass needle during periods when the compass is not in use.
This compass is the type used by an artillery unit of the Australian Military Forces during World War 2.
This compass was manufactured by J. W. Handley P/L of Melbourne in 1943.

Refer 00330 and 00330.2

Inscriptions & markings

The side of the compass body is stamped: "J.W.H." with the letter "V" under a line, "SERIAL No 1082", MARK.II-D^D-1943".
The case is stamped with the serial number "1082".