Description
Like I said, I don't know much about this piece other than it being a WW2 Japanese wrist compass that was "Taken in the field" as the gentleman put it. I've only found it one other place and that is at "World Military Collectables.com". It is an exact match. It is listed as code 5036. And has better photos and description than I can offer. I'll post my pics anyway just because. It still works, functions, and points north. I would love to know the history, background, and approximate value if possible.
Re: WW2 Japanese wrist compass
Is it possible to get a clearer shot of both the front and the back? The photos are very difficult to read.
Most of the wrist compasses issued to the Japanese during WWII appear to have been plastic not metal. Those ones typically sell for about $50.
If this is a Brass one with definite markings (and I would have expected some additional marks on the side or back) then you would be looking at one issued to a more highly ranking combat type officer most likely, or issued early in the conflict. If it pans out, then you would probably be looking at a value closer to double the plastic ones.
Try and get as much history, with names and dates, as you can to go with the item. It helps greatly. If, for example, there is a serial number on the item, you might be able to find a reference to it in the Intelligence officers reports. That could potentially double the value yet again, depending on how he got it and from whom. Find out who your officer was working for (remember, officers from different countries were shared so he may be an Australian working in a British unit for example.) Then try and get access to military records for that country, much has been declassified so may be accessible now.
Unsubstantiated, and as is, (assuming the markings are of WWII vintage) I would suggest the value to be $70 +/-. A lot depends on where and how sold, (target audience), condition, authentication, etc.
Hope this helps!
Re: WW2 Japanese wrist compass
Thanks for your response. I will try to find the suggested info. For clearer pics, look on a site called "World Military Collectables" and look for japanese wrist compass. There is an exact match of mine with much better pictures. Again, I greatly appreciate your input. Do you think it would degrade the value to try to clean it up a little so that I may look for marks and serial numbers? Thanks again chief.
Re: WW2 Japanese wrist compass
No problem!
Had a look and the front of that one wasn't overly clear either.
The trick in taking photos of objects behind glass is to either use a telephoto and stand back or set your F'stop to be a higher number to get more depth of field.
Unless you really know what you are doing, I'd strongly advise against cleaning ANY old object.
The 'aged' look is what many collectors want. Removing it devalues it in their eyes.
You don't know what is going to the glass (i.e. a cleaning solution might cause plastic to melt, or the seal of the glass to crack etc.
[My Rant: "I can't tell you how many times I have seen a 'cleaned up' pendulum clock ruined, where they used WD-40 (it now requires complete disassemblly and hand cleaning of each part to get that junk out of there.)"]
You might, however have a look for a military museum with WWII relics to ask them about the compass. They might have more details as well.
Just a thought!
Re: WW2 Japanese wrist compass
Thanks for your response. I will try to find the suggested info. For clearer pics, look on a site called "World Military Collectables" and look for japanese wrist compass. There is an exact match of mine with much better pictures. Again, I greatly appreciate your input. Do you think it would degrade the value to try to clean it up a little so that I may look for marks and serial numbers? Thanks again chief.
Re: WW2 Japanese wrist compass
Thanks for your response. I will try to find the suggested info. For clearer pics, look on a site called "World Military Collectables" and look for japanese wrist compass. There is an exact match of mine with much better pictures. Again, I greatly appreciate your input. Do you think it would degrade the value to try to clean it up a little so that I may look for marks and serial numbers? Thanks again chief.
Re: WW2 Japanese wrist compass
Thanks for your response. I will try to find the suggested info. For clearer pics, look on a site called "World Military Collectables" and look for japanese wrist compass. There is an exact match of mine with much better pictures. Again, I greatly appreciate your input. Do you think it would degrade the value to try to clean it up a little so that I may look for marks and serial numbers? Thanks again chief.
Re: WW2 Japanese wrist compass
No problem!
Had a look and the front of that one wasn't overly clear either.
The trick in taking photos of objects behind glass is to either use a telephoto and stand back or set your F'stop to be a higher number to get more depth of field.
Unless you really know what you are doing, I'd strongly advise against cleaning ANY old object.
The 'aged' look is what many collectors want. Removing it devalues it in their eyes.
You don't know what is going to the glass (i.e. a cleaning solution might cause plastic to melt, or the seal of the glass to crack etc.
I can't tell you how many times I have seen a 'cleaned up' pendulum clock where they used WD-40 (it now requires complete disassemblly and hand cleaning of each part to get that junk out of there.)
You might, however have a look for a military museum with WWII relics to ask them about the compass. They might have more details as well.
Just a thought!
Re: WW2 Japanese wrist compass
No problem!
Had a look and the front of that one wasn't overly clear either.
The trick in taking photos of objects behind glass is to either use a telephoto and stand back or set your F'stop to be a higher number to get more depth of field.
Unless you really know what you are doing, I'd strongly advise against cleaning ANY old object.
The 'aged' look is what many collectors want. Removing it devalues it in their eyes.
You don't know what is going to the glass (i.e. a cleaning solution might cause plastic to melt, or the seal of the glass to crack etc.
I can't tell you how many times I have seen a 'cleaned up' pendulum clock where they used WD-40 (it now requires complete disassemblly and hand cleaning of each part to get that junk out of there.)
You might, however have a look for a military museum with WWII relics to ask them about the compass. They might have more details as well.
Just a thought!