Original WWI Era US Army Engineer Corps Sighting Compass Cruchon & Emons Berne

Description

ORIGINAL WWI US BRASS ENGINEER CORPS MARCHING COMPASS CRUCHON EMONS BERNE
This compass appears to be functioning as it should. It is in marvelous shape for being a little over 100 years old. Please note the photos to supplement your description of this item. The compass does unlock and seems to find true north. The dial spins freely and the glass is in wonderful vintage condition with very minor braiding and chipping. Again I will use multiple photographs of the glass for your examination.
The marking on the outer sighting half reads:
Cruchon Emons, underneath reads Berne (Switzerland), and beneath that No 56481
The marking on the back of the compass half reads:
U.S.Engineer Corps
On the inside of the sighting half reads:
58131
From what I have found it does date between 1914 to 1918. I did in my research find this description which seems to fit this one:
“WW1 period US Army Engineer Corps compass, made by Cruchon & Emons of Berne, Switzerland, c. 1918. Marked No. 56481.
This important compass is 2 1/8” in diameter.
The soft, warm, original finish is present, with no buffing or machine polishing.
Manufactured in Berne, Switzerland by both Cruchon & Emons 1918, dates to mid-late 1918.
This important compass is 2 1/8" in diameter.
The soft, warm, original finish is present, with no buffing or polishing.
Although there are no date stamps, it can be narrowed down due to the use of an aluminium dial (until mid 1918 they were enameled) and the brass mirror (brass mirrors were phased out in late 1918 and replaced by nickel-plated mirrors which wouldn’t tarnish under field conditions). The mirror sighting compass was the most accurate marching compass ever fielded by US forces.”
You will also note in the photos that a screw is missing that holds the clasp ring in place. This is aside from the obvious aging of a century plus the only real flaw that I could find in this item. Your satisfaction is guaranteed. This little piece would be an amazing presentation for someone.
The ruler in the photos is for reference only and it’s not part of the sale. Of course you knew that!
I do provide two shipping options for you to choose from. You can either have it shipped first class or for a couple dollars more have it shipped priority mail. Personally I feel that the last time spent in our friends at the post office’s hands the better.