Compass [Type P8]
Maker and role
Kelvin Bottomley and Baird Limited, Manufacturer
Air Ministry, Attributed to
Production date
1940
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Object detail
Accession number
2006.429
Production period
Description
A spring-mounted, metal and glass compass, with a liquid (alcohol) needle float, fixed into wooden carry case with green fabric strap attached by two screws either side of the box, two metal catches at front and felt padding on interior. Painted stencil instructions on outside of case stating GLASS WITH CARE, DELICATE INSTRUMENTS TO BE HANDLED WITH GREAT CARE and 'TYPE P8'. Two stamps on inside lid of case stating ADMIRALTY COMPASS CONSERVATORY, SLOUGH and dates of 18. Oct 1940 and 29 July 1940. Marks on compass are Maker AM, No. 15066K, TYPE P8 and MODEL 6A/726, ADMIRALTY COMPASS CONSERVATORY, SLOUGH. The Air Ministry (AM) was a department of the British government with responsibility for the RAF from 1914 to 1964. Different types of aircraft compasses were built for the Air Ministry: the P Series compasses were pilot’s compasses, the O Series being observer's compasses. After the serial number on the bezel, a suffix (letter or sign) denotes the manufacturer: this one is "K' which is Kelvin, Bottomley & Baird - see Air Publication 1234.
Marks
GLASS / W/2271 / WITH CARE Stencilled
TYPE P8 / DELICATE INSTRUMENTS / TO BE HANDLED / WITH GREAT CARE Stencilled
TYPE P8 / DELICATE INSTRUMENTS / TO BE HANDLED / WITH GREAT CARE Stencilled
Media/Materials
Credit Line
Kelvin Bottomley and Baird Limited et al. 1940. Compass [Type P8], 2006.429. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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