Hi all,
I've recently become very interested in World War II British kit and have amassed just about everything I need for an impression. I'm struggling on a few accounts, though. Specifically: what kind of watch would you guys recommend for a British impression? Right now I have a Timex with a leather band and silver face that looks the part from a distance, but I'd like a recommendation for a nice period watch (preferably with Roman numerals!). My Timex is giving out so I need a new watch anyway!
Second, what type of compass would the British Army issue? I've seen references to "No.1 Compass, Prismatic", but I haven't been able to really track anything down for sure.
Finally, I just bought a pair of nice Kershaw No.2 Mk.II 6x30 binoculars (with the associated 37pat pouch) off eBay. Does anyone know how to properly clean and service old binoculars?
I know I'm asking a lot but I could not find any threads related to this stuff!
Best regards
Ian
Second, what type of compass would the British Army issue? I've seen references to "No.1 Compass, Prismatic", but I haven't been able to really track anything down for sure.
There's the Mk1 Marching Compass, which is square and Bakolite:
And the MkII and MkIII Prismatic Marching Compass:
You may find these now all polished in shiny brass, but they were originally painted black(as above) when issued. Warning, there are a lot of Indian made fakes on the market, especially with the bases engraved with fake dates and serial numbers - easiest way to tell is that the fakes have an externally screwed on hinge (rather than it being inside of the case), and the lanyard loop is either egg-shaped or straight-sided rather than the correct round circular shape.
A Proud Member Of 'Team Spleen!' who play mainly at Gunman Airsoft, Tuddenham, Suffolk.
If money is no object you can look for an ATP (army time piece) this came in wrist watch and fob watch versions.
Like the Mk II and III compasses these are very collectable and can fetch serious amounts.
If you want something to tell the time by while in the field find cheapest dial watch with period face and fit it to a watch strap with a cover for the face. This will protect it and stop it being seen to closely.
On the compasses the bakelite one is fine and you can still find these at reasonable prices. However they were not issued to everyone. One compass per section and one for a platoon commander would be a high rate of issue.
On repair and cleaning of binoculars you need to try and find someone who is repairing old camera's or surveying equipment and they may be able to help you.
Thanks guys. That helped a lot -- I just placed a bid for a nice marching compass and I'm looking around for a decent period watch.
Yep, i'll second getting a cheap repro watch and a leather cover. I've got a genuine WD Waltham pocket watch that I wear every day and use as my regular watch, but i wouldn't dream of using it for airsoft. One stray BB/fall and it's a few hundred quid down the drain.
Something like this:
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/p ... 417316.htm
and one of these:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Protective-Cover- ... 256202de95
would get you sorted for less than £15. It's not like it'll be seen for 99% of the time.
Yes, I wear my period watch every day, in weekend battles too! It just seemed pointless to have a nice watch and not use it. However, I'd never encourage anyone to do the same as there are plenty of cheap modern watches that look the part.
Incidentally, roman numerals are not a prerequisite - they did have proper numerals in WW2! Look for a watch with a small face - the normal gents dress watches of today generally have BIG faces compared to the norm then.
Oh, and on the subject of refurbishing binoculars, I've been looking into it as one of my lenses has fogged and basically, forget it, unless you're prepared to pay out more than they're worth.
Most decent ones will have been nitrogen purged, and so you need special equipment to re-do this. I've been quoted £75-150 depending on the work needed, for a pair of Brit WD ones, which is a shame as they only cost £30, so i'll just keep an eye out for another pair that are in better condition.
Damn, damn, and damn. I was hoping I could find some place around town that could fix them for cheap. Oh well.
As for the watch issue, I remember seeing a nice Roman numeral watch in Gallipoli and I've been stupidly fixed on getting one since then. 
That looks like an old watch! AFAIK all issues watches, wrist or pocket, German, Brit or US, had Arabic number faces for clarity rather than Roman numerals for fanciness. Of course, that's not to say a personal, civilian watch from any previous period wouldn't have been worn as a non-issue item.
Yeah, that certainly looks pre-war to me... maybe 1920s?
Does Sabre Militaria ship overseas? They have EXCELLENT prices and I'd buy a load of stuff from them but I haven't heard if they will ship to the USA!
If not, I'm wondering if I could arrange a transfer from someone on this board... I could make it worth your while! (That sounds wrong. Lol)
