Original U.S. WWII AAF “Compass Assembly Pocket Type” by Longines-Wittnauer Watch Company With Original Box - 1943 AF Contract Date

Original Item: Only One Available. The compass allowed for more accurate navigation, leading to improved trade, exploration, and the spread of ideas across different cultures. Today, the compass continues to be an essential tool for navigation, used in a wide range of applications, including aviation, shipping, and outdoor recreation. While the military may not necessarily use the compass for recreation, the use of a compass aides the uniformed service member in making maps, track the movement of troops, locate enemy forces and just overall patrolling.

The compass itself is in wonderful condition and even retains an original box as well as the rayon-like sleeve. The compass does show wear so it may have been used and paired with a box or the box was in fact retained. The compass has a standard U.S. designation on the front case. The face of the dial has all details still visible with the WITTNAUER name right on the North side of the dial.

The box retains full markings:

COMPASS ASSEMBLY
POCKET TYPE
Part No. K1626-2
Order No. 43-6803-AF
LONGINES-WITTNAUER WATCH CO., INC.

This denotes a 1943 contract date with the AAF.

Wittnauer is a watch and clock company, founded in New Rochelle, New York in 1885 by Swiss immigrant Albert Wittnauer, that is now a brand of the Bulova company, which is owned by Japanese conglomerate Citizen Watch Co.

During World War 2, Wittnauer started its major production line of compasses, used by soldiers and aviators during combat. These compasses were produced on a large scale and often had the letters US imprinted on the front of their case. To show their brand name, the name Wittnauer was usually placed on the face of the compass, in line with the large "S" (South) on the face. Wittnauer's long history with watch manufacturing and case manufacturing expedited their speed and precision with which their compasses were made. Furthermore, Wittnauer had previously attained a good relationship with the U.S. military, and was permitted to produce such compasses. These compasses vary in value, but trend at around 30-300 USD, or more with additional pieces such as original boxes or paperwork.

Comes ready for further research and display.