Military Compass owner requires tracing

[robinone]

Military compass by Elliot Bros.London, in its original leather cased,rubbed with wear and marked CLAY;CO.72. underneath 198, which I thought may be the last three of his military number.The original patent was made by Lt.Colnel O’Gradys Haly. I wondered if this was the 72nd Brigade of Kitchener's 24th Division who were on the Western front. I have tried finding a CLAY but no luck so far, any ideas appreciated.

[MBrockway]

A compass might usually be the property of an officer.

Officers did not generally have a service number.

Post a picture and the Pals can advise better.

[Neil Mackenzie]

According to the National Archives WO339 series there were a couple of officers in the Middlesex Regiment - also known as The Duke of Cambridge's Own (CO?) with the surname of Clay. Maybe a place to start - or I may be talking complete rubbish!

Neil

[MBrockway]

Not much point pursuing this further without a picture IMHO. The OP's verbal description is not helping me visualise this object :-)

[MBrockway]

Most strange coincidence that a lot described thus:

"Antique Brass compass and case by Elliot Bros.London

Owner Clay;CO.72

The black eye piece has the two small lens missing and the sight wire.

The original case has a new strap.

The original patent was made by Lt.Colnel O’Gradys Haly. A copy will be sent with the compass.

A military compass with bright green lockable dial, the case in lacquered brass weight 306gms.

The dial rotates easily and can be locked with a button at the base of the site wire or by putting the site down locks dial.

Green card prismatic compass by Elliott Bros, Strand London. This model is known as the Major Hutchinson's Improved, and measures just under 3" in diameter, all complete and working, with original leather case. Folding front sight locks the compass card for transit. The rear prism sight allows for focusing the front sight and objective, and locks down by means of a brass strap. Dates to the second half of the 19th century, circa 1860, a nice Victorian compass by a quality London maker.

... is currently available on FleaBay