Compass suppliers in London?

[malcolmc]

I’ve managed to break my compass. It was an ex-service marching type of Second World War vintage, I’ve had it over 40 years. Black bakerlite with a mirror to let you see when the needle had settled as you took a bearing and, crucially, a needle lock to preserve the reading if you move the compass, which also protected the needle in transit. I’m looking for another with the same functions. I’m not keen on Perspex (which I will break) or base plate (which I don’t use) types. I think a body of brass, alloy or resilient plastic would be proof against me. I’m hoping to get away with paying around £30. I know I can get genuine US or British army ones for £200. I’m getting thoroughly cheesed off with the number of dealers offering me cheap repros (easily obtainable at about £5 and worth almost as much) for about £30 and insisting that, as far as they know, they’re the genuine article. Yea, really?

I’ll be in London soon; Silverman’s and the Scout Shop are already on my list of places to visit. Can anyone recommend any other good places to buy mid-priced compasses in London?

Thanks.

 

[TheGreenMan]

Hello Malcolm,

Generally speaking, London is not the place where you're going to find the kind of bargain you're looking for. I've lived in London for about 25 years, and I don't even know of a place, off hand, where you can find a good fixed blade at a reasonable price.

Silvermans is probably the best bet for some sort of comparable replacement.

Sorry I couldn’t be of more practical help.

Good luck, and I hope you have a lucky find during your visit!

Best regards,
Paul.

 

[rik_uk3]

This compass I have is a bit big for backpacking I think

 

[TheGreenMan]

I’ve managed to break my compass....

If you’re prepared to consider a modern replacement compass, The Sightmaster Professional (SM 360 PA) compass looks good – nothing to snap off, no baseplate:
http://www.ukge.co.uk/uk/product.as...ageHistory=&strKeywords=&SearchFor=&PT_ID=438

Best regards,
Paul.

 

[TheGreenMan]

This compass I have is a bit big for backpacking I think
[image snipped]

Hello rik_uk3,

Well that sure looks robust enough, but I think it's tme to revise your kit list!

Best regards,
Paul.

 

[Bardster]

Any of these any good? http://www.sailgb.com/c/compasses_handheld/
http://www.ukge.co.uk/uk/Compasses.asp
although this would appear to fit your needs....
http://www.sirs.co.uk/G150 Marching Compass.htm but no price.

On the other hand these Brunton ones are priced and are close to your price point...
http://www.ahuracollectables.co.uk/acatalog/Collectables_Compasses_3.html
and also fill your criteria.

I notice they also have a bakelite one

and as they are in london it would be a good place to have a look at - but only on sat, sun or mon it seems - have a look on their fron page for more info.

 

[TheGreenMan]

Any of these any good? http://www.sailgb.com/c/compasses_handheld/
http://www.ukge.co.uk/uk/Compasses.asp
although this would appear to fit your needs....
http://www.sirs.co.uk/G150 Marching Compass.htm but no price.

On the other hand these Brunton ones are priced and are close to your price point...
http://www.ahuracollectables.co.uk/acatalog/Collectables_Compasses_3.html
and also fill your criteria.

I notice they also have a bakelite one

and as they are in london it would be a good place to have a look at - but only on sat, sun or mon it seems - have a look on their fron page for more info.

Nice URLs. The sirs.co.uk and the ahuracollectables.co.uk are new to me. Thanks for that, Bardster.

Top quality post!

Best regards,
Paul.