All metal sun compass in wooden box which also contains two gnomons. Brass dial with black divisions etc. Box is painted black and lined with green baize.
Cole Universal Sun compass MK 3 used by J.H. Cole in the British survey of Egypt c1942 and the North African desert campaign. The Cole Universal Sun Compass Mk 3 is calibrated in 6° divisions from the Equator to 36° N and by a further 3° division to 39° N (so it could hardly be called ‘universal’). Its design and operation were very similar to that of the Abrams Solar Compass but, whereas in the Abrams design the whole dial plate moved up or down the date scale with the stylus fixed in the centre, the Universal Sun Compass had the opposite arrangement. The Cole Sun Compass was used in the British survey of Egypt and was also popular among the French forces in North Africa. It continued in use until at least 1967.