Wittnauer Air Force Escape Compass c.1941

A Wittnauer U.S. Air Force escape compass, dating from c.1941. It is signed on the dial 'Wittnauer' and also has 'U.S.' stamped on the lid. The compass has a nickel hunter case, aluminium compass card, flat arrow-shaped needle, and jewelled pivot. There is a lever operated transit lock, which locks the needle when the lid is closed, and the lid is opened by a push button at the bow. Wittnauer: The company was established in New York in 1890 by Albert Wittnauer (1856-1908), a Swiss clockmaker. They produced watches, clocks and aircraft instruments. The Swiss Longines company purchased Wittnauer in 1936, and during WW2 the Longines-Wittnauer Watch Company manufactured U.S. stamped pocket compasses for the US Air Force. Most of these compasses were issued to aircrew and included in aircraft emergency survival kits Condition: In very good condition, full working order, and finds North well. The case, glass, needle, and compass card are in very good condition. Dimensions: 45mm diameter (60mm inc. loop)