239 WW2 Royal Air Force, Air Ministry Stamped, Wooden boxed Astro Compass Mk.II

Purpose and Use: The Astro Compass Mk.II was designed to assist in celestial navigation, helping pilots determine their aircraft's position by observing celestial bodies like stars or the sun. This was crucial for long-range missions where other navigation aids were less reliable.

Design and Features: The compass typically comes in a wooden box with Air Ministry stamps, which indicate its official use and ownership by the RAF. The Mk.II version improved on earlier models, incorporating more accurate and reliable components for better navigation.

Construction: The wooden box often features compartments to protect the delicate instruments inside, and the instrument itself usually includes a precision compass, a sighting mechanism, and sometimes a scale or dial for calculations.

Historical Significance: These compasses were vital during the war, especially for missions over long distances or in areas where other navigational aids were unavailable. Their accuracy could be the difference between a successful mission and getting lost.

Collectibility: Today, such instruments are of interest to collectors and historians. They are valued not only for their historical significance but also for their craftsmanship and the role they played in aviation history