Lot 136
  • 136

Attributed to Panerai

Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 GBP
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Description

  • A VERY RARE MILITARY COMPASS FOR GERMAN COMBAT DIVERSCIRCA 1944
  • Brass, leather
  • diameter 53 mm
• black compass rose dial, the four cardinal directions N-E-S-O, arrows and dotes graduations for 45 and 22.5 degrees • brass case, Plexiglas dome with bearing line, screwed filler hole in the centre, secured by 6 screws

Condition

Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be require. Disk rotating as it should, aged and luminescent materials no more glowing. Case and buckle with usual scuffs and oxydation due to use and age. Overall condition in accordance with the use of this kind of pieces. Very interesting lot. **The strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species; please refer to important notices for further information.**
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Catalogue Note

This present lot is a rare example of a wrist compass used during World War II by the German Navy. Very few of these pieces have survived and they are today highly sought-after by collectors. Before being part of an important European collection, this compass was found in a river in Germany were military divers used to train during the war.