Luftwaffe AK39 Armbandkompass

The AK39 Wrist Compass was first introduced in 1939 for use by German aircrew for navigation purposes if forced to abandon their aircraft. Whilst designed for wrist use, as its name implies, many period photographs exist of it attached to Schwimmweste, or other bits of flight equipment. The AK39 came in two variants and this example is the first specification; these were generally manufactured by the Kadlec Instrumente-Fabrik Elektrische Instrumente of Prag Czechoslovakia, while under German occupation, although this example does not give any clues as to who made it. The reverse of the black plastic case is embossed with the full specification including Armbandkompass, followed by Baumuster AK 39, Werk nr. 10244972 and the Luftwaffe requisition Fliegermaterial number, Anforderz Fl 23235. The compass card swings freely but like most examples we see the air bubble is slightly larger than intended, but the oil remains very clear. The compass is fitted with the original wrist strap and buckle that remains in good issued condition. Generally this is an above the average example that would sit happily in any collection. The compass diameter is 2.4" or 6 cm.