BACKGROUND: Map/dispatch cases were issued on a limited basis to specifically designated personnel such as unit commanders, messengers, and observers. The M35 map/dispatch case was based on the Weimar Reichswehr, (National Defence Force, Circa 1919-1933), era pattern map/dispatch case with minor variations. The M35 map/dispatch case underwent a front closure modification in mid-1936, and an additional small front pocket was added in 1938, although the early pattern cases continued to be manufactured through-out the war. When issued the map/dispatch cases came complete with an assortment of map reading and plotting tools and instruments including a march compass. The march compasses came in a wide variety of different models but they were all quite similar in design. Of Note: As with other armies the Germans had a Kriegskarten- und Vermessungswesen Abteilung, (War Maps and Surveying Department), under command of the OKH, Oberkommando des Heeres, (High Command of the Army). The war maps and surveying department was responsible for all army issue maps and worked in conjunction with the German Reichsamt für Landesaufnahme, (National Land Survey Office). Regulations dictated that army issue maps were exclusively for use of army personnel and that any reproduction or improper usage were punishable offences. German army maps were generally named and numbered and were issued as required.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Molded black bakelite and black painted, tooled, alloy construction field march compass. The compass has a roughly, 2 1/8", (5.3cm), wide, 2 3/4", (6.9cm), long, 1/2", (1.2cm), tall molded black bakelite base with an impressed, white scripted, five centimeter ruler to one side. Mounted on top of the base is a roughly, 1 7/8", (5cm), diameter, hinged, black painted, alloy lid with an internal polished alloy "mirror". The black paint to the lid is retained about 90% with chafe wear to the base brass colored alloy at the outer edges. The internal "mirror" shows minor surface scratching and spotting. The lid folds back to reveal a clear glass faced compass with black line and numerical degree markings, luminous dots at the four cardinal directional points, (North, South, East & West), and true North and a luminous tipped, movable, directional arm, on a white background field. The white background field has the stylized, black printed manufacturer’s name and location, "Busch Rathenow", and additional, faint initials that appear to be, "DRGM", indicating, Deutsche Reichs Gebrauchs Muster, (German National Registered Design). The luminous paint has lost it’s luminous "glow". The outer edge of the compass has a vertically ribbed bakelite dial to allow for directional orientation. The outer, turning, dial has a small, movable, inset locking clip intact. The compass still functions and appears to be accurate.

GRADE ***3/4                             PRICE $75.00