A genuine WW2 USAAF Wittnauer compas as used by pilots and navigators. The needle is nicely moving and fully functional. Overall a rare find - Wittnauer compasses are compasses made by the Wittnauer company for the U.S. military forces at the start of World War II. Watch-Type compass was among the contents of the U.S. Army Air Force pilot's emergency kit which fits into the back pad of a parachute (see attached photo from WW2). Watchmakers fleeing Europe at the start of World War II were given jobs manufacturing navigational instruments and other war products at this company. Due to Wittnauer's long relationship with the American military, the company was given a contract to produce compasses for the U.S. military forces in 1941. Most of the compasses you see come up for sale were made this year. They were included as part of a survival kit for U.S. aviators, and were frequently seen as Officer’s compasses. Great and rare 100% original item from WW2 ! See also our other interesting military books and militaria for sale!