Name/Title
Military compass, 5600X, made by Keuffel & Esser Co., n.d., ca. 1925-1934.Entry/Object ID
2009.006.0107Description
Military compass, 5600X, made by Keuffel & Esser Company, New York, no date, circa 1925-1934. Metal and glass, 3" wide x 2-7/8" deep x 11/16" thick closed; 2 inch needle; twisted black cord neck strap. With original box: two piece paper covered box with printed label on end "Military Compass, K&E Co., 1 only, 5600X."
Metal is aluminum with black cloth finish. This compass dial is numbered in quadrants, each zero to 90 degrees. Dial is black markings on silver.
The 'X' designation in the model number distinguished it from other 5600 compasses. Other than 'Keuffel & Esser Co., New York" on the dial face, it has no other markings as to model. Described and depicted on page 430 of the 37th edition general catalogue of 1928: "frequently used by foresters, timber cruisers, etc." The aluminum case for this model was apparently introduced in the mid-1920s.
In the 1930s, this compass was re-named as a Forestry Compass with the same product numbers. They appeared in a Dec. 1934 price list for the 37th edition catalog (1928) as "Special Compasses" and asterisks denoting them as new products.
Except for the box, this would be considered a Forestry Compass.
There are three initials scratched on the brass hinge. Other than those marks and some light tarnish of the hinge and bezel, the very good condition of this item including the cord suggests that this object saw little or no field use. See notes.
Keuffel & Esser Co. main office and factories were in Hoboken in the period when this item was made.Acquisition
Accession
2009.006Source or Donor
Lukacs, ClaireAcquisition Method
GiftCredit Line
Museum Collections. Gift of a friend of the Museum.Made/Created
Date made
1925 - 1934Notes
Date: 1925-1934Condition
Overall Condition
ExcellentGeneral Notes
Note
Notes: Additional information provided by donor who received it from the seller on eBay auction site:
"This came out of a pre 1950's trunk where the original owner was enrolled at The Penn State School of Forestry where this item may of been required...he later was a pilot in WWII...considering the lack of wear, I would venture to say this was required at the college."
Status: OK
Status By: dw
Status Date: 2009-06-29
