Overview
This M-73 Francis Barker Tritium Liquid-Damped Prismatic Compass is considered by many to be the best hand-held military compass in the world. The M-73 Liquid Damped Prismatic Compass is a robust, precision instrument made in the United Kingdom for military use. The compass is fabricated from solid brass, aluminum and glass to withstand the most severe conditions. These compasses are also part of history: They were used by Dr. David Livingstone on his Africa expeditions, and by noblemen since the company was founded in 1848. They have been issued to officers of the British Army for generations, and they are currently used by a number of military forces throughout the world.
The heart of the compass is a high quality precision sapphire bearing for accurate and reliable results. This compass comes with the popular 0 - 360 degree dial. The M-73 compass features a prism sighting system for amazing 1/2 degree accuracy. The compass is liquid damped for rapid sighting, and features five tritium light sources for both day and night use. These Tritium light sources provide readability in total darkness for 10 years without external power or the need to "charge" using a flashlight. Every component of the M-73 compass can be replaced for many years of continuous, reliable use.
To operate, the lid opens and the front prismatic sight folds upward to function as the front sight. The prism has a magnifier to allow viewing the compass card and the object being sighted simultaneously. The height of the front prismatic sight can be adjusted to focus the compass card. The compass bezel rotates and can be secured in place with the locking screw. The lid has a precise scribed line in a glass window to serve as the rear sight, and the glass is protected by an exterior guard.
This is a full MILSPEC military compass and cannot be exported outside the United States, except for U.S. military units or installations overseas, unless the buyer has the appropriate valid export license issued by the U.S. Department of State as prescribed in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation. The black M-73 Francis Barker Compass is supplied complete with leather pouch and full instructions. The compass has a beautiful black finish and the compass measures 2 3/8 inches (60 mm) in diameter, 3 3/8 inches (85.6 mm) in length, 3 3/8 inches (34.5 mm) thick, and weighs a solid 7.8 ounces (221 grams).
Specifications:
Size
85 x 60 x 34mm
Weight
220g
Operating Temperature
-30°C to +55°C
Pivot
Sapphire Jewel
Liquid
Purified Kerosene
Graduation
Degrees (360 Divisions)
Night Illumination
Luminescent Markings
Accuracy
One half of one degree (10 mils)
Comes with a brown leather carrying case. Excellent condition. #114253