Air Ministry Issue Navigators Compass

On offer is a fine navigators plotting compass, still contained within its original issue box. The sliding lid is stamped with a Kings Crown and below A. M. (Air Ministry) and dated 1941. The nickel compass remains in really excellent issued condition and is marked with the manufacturers name 'Thornton' followed by a crisp AM with a Kings Crown and the instrument still retain its original lead and works exactly as intended 85 years ago! The final image shows an identical compass being used at his navigating table by a Flight Sergeant Nicolson.

When purchased with other related items, we were advised these were issued to a used by a Lieutenant Donald Gibson, Fleet Air Arm, who initially flew the Skua with 802 and 803 squadrons, later to become CO of 802, by this time flying the Grumman Martlet. Gibson had an illustrious naval career and post war was appointed Captain of HMS Ark Royal, the Audacious-class aircraft carrier from 1961 to 1963, when he was known as "The Flying Captain". He finally retired in 1968 as Vice Admiral Sir Donald Gibson KCB CB DSC.

It would be hard to source a crisper instrument with the added interest of its reputed prestigious FAA custodian..