An Elliot Brothers military prismatic marching compass dating from c.1899. It has the maker’s mark ‘Elliot Bros, London’ engraved on the lid. The compass originally belonged to James Ponsonby Galbraith (1881-1950), an officer in the Royal Engineers who served in the Boer War, in the Gallipoli and Salonica campaigns during WW1, and in Russia in 1919.
The compass card design is quite unusual, originating around the time of the Boer War, it was produced for a relatively short time (c.1899-1902), being replaced by Lt-Colonel Verner's later designs, such as the Mk V and Mk VI before 1905. The compass has a mother of pearl card, with a painted centre and black painted cardinal points. The paint used in this compass was most probably a version of 'Balmain's Luminous Paint' (patented by William Balmain in 1877). This type of luminous paint was activated by exposure to very bright light, often created by burning a strip of magnesium ribbon. The compass also features a transit lock, operated by a sliding button on the side of the case, and a manual brake. The compass comes complete with its fitted leather case.
Versions of this compass design are known to have been produced by several makers, including J. H. Steward, Francis Barker & Son, and Elliot Brothers. Those made by Steward usually have the Steward name, date, and serial number engraved on the lid. Francis Barker & Son often supplied their compasses unsigned to the retail trade, with the retailer then adding their own details to the compass card or case. Elliot Brothers had ‘Elliot Bros, London’ engraved on the lid near the prsim cover. A very similar compass, signed by Barker, can be seen at compassmuseum.com.
Lt-Colonel J. P. Galbraith (1881-1950): James Ponsonby Galbraith was a regular officer in the British Army, commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers in 1899. The son of a Vicar, he was born in Londonderry in Ireland in March 1881. He served in the Boer War and remained in South Africa from 1901 to 1905. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1902, and to Captain in 1908. In WW1 he served at Gallipoli from September 1915, and went on to take part in the Salonica Campaign. He was promoted to Major in 1916 and then to acting Lieutenant Colonel in 1918. During 1919 he was with the British Expeditionary Force in Russia. J. P. Galbraith retired from the army in 1921, and finally left the reserve of officers in 1936.
Elliot Brothers: was originally established at Gray's Inn in London by William Elliot (1781-1853) as a maker of drawing instruments. By 1807 he had moved to High Holborn, and by 1816 he was manufacturing items such as telescopes and barometers. In 1830 he moved to 56 Strand and was joined in the business by his two sons, Frederick Henry Elliot and Charles Alfred Elliot, and they expanded into producing a wide variety of scientific instruments. William Elliot died in 1853 and his sons continued the business as Elliot Brothers. In 1865 Charles Elliot retired and Frederick continued to run Elliot Brothers until his death in 1873, leaving the business to his wife. During the late 19th century the company also manufactured electrical instruments, and in 1893 they amalgamated with Theiler & Co. Telegraph and Instrument Makers. In 1900 the company moved to new premises at the Century Works in Lewisham. In 1916 a new company was formed - this was known as Elliot Brothers (London) Ltd and continued to produce scientific and mathemtcal instruments.
Condition:
The compass is in very good condition, full working order, and finds North well. With some minor wear and a few marks to the brass case. The leather case is in good condition, with general signs of wear and use, and the fastening strap is worn, with the central section missing, and its buckle is damaged and loose. The name ‘J. P. Galbraith’ is engraved on the base.
Dimensions : 52mm (diameter), 70mm inc. prism