*German, WW2, Luftwaffe & Fallschirmjäger (Paratroopers) AK 39 Wrist Compass (Armbandkompass), Fl.23235-1 – Serial No. 3868324, VGC*
An excellent and well-preserved original WWII German Luftwaffe AK 39 wrist compass (Armbandkompass 39), officially designated Fl.23235-1, complete with its original leather strap and retaining outstanding overall condition.
This example retains its correct black Bakelite case, ribbed domed Perspex bezel, and factory-issued black leather strap with wartime stitching, studs, and original metal buckle. The luminous cream dial displays crisp degree graduations (0–33), a floating magnetic card with red “N” north indicator, and clear black directional markers. The rotating bezel incorporates the correct sighting markers, allowing accurate course setting both in-flight and on the ground.
The reverse is clearly marked: “AK 39 / Fl.23235-1” with impressed serial number 3868324, faintly visible through the rotating underside plate and fully consistent with known Luftwaffe production batches.
This is the later improved Fl.23235-1 pattern, introduced after 1941, featuring enhanced legibility, rifle-type sighting aids, and dual rotating semi-circular course-setting discs on the underside. These improvements made it significantly more practical than the earlier Fl.23235 variant, which relied solely on a simple luminous lubber’s line.
Approx. Measurements: Diameter: 6 cm. Depth: 2.4 cm
Historical Note:
The AK 39 (Armband-Kompass 39) was introduced in 1939 as the Luftwaffe’s standard-issue personal navigation compass, replacing earlier bulkier wrist and cockpit-mounted types. Designed for both airborne use and survival situations, it allowed aircrew to orient themselves quickly during flight, after forced landings, or following parachute deployment. The “Fl” prefix denotes Fliegermaterial (aeronautical materiel), confirming official Luftwaffe issue. Production was carried out under Air Ministry contract, most notably by Kadlec & Co. of Prague, later absorbed into Askania Werke AG, Berlin, following the German annexation of Czechoslovakia.
Constructed with a rugged Bakelite body and an oil-damped magnetic system to prevent needle oscillation in turbulent conditions, the AK 39 was ideally suited to combat aviation. The luminous (radium-based) markings ensured readability in darkness, making it especially valuable for night fighters, bomber crews, and long-range operations.
Issued widely to fighter and bomber pilots, navigators, and Fallschirmjäger, the AK 39 became a vital survival tool. Paratroopers relied on it for immediate orientation after drops behind enemy lines, while downed aircrew used it alongside silk escape maps and other evasion equipment. The design proved so effective that it directly influenced post-war wrist and escape compasses adopted by both NATO and Warsaw Pact forces.
*Condition*
The compass is in excellent original condition overall. The black Bakelite case remains structurally sound with no cracks or repairs, showing only light, honest service wear consistent with age. The domed ribbed Perspex bezel is clear and intact, retaining good translucency with minor surface marks and light age-related yellowing. The dial is clean and fully legible, with even ageing to the luminous elements and no lifting, flaking, or damage observed. The magnetic card floats freely and responds correctly when rotated, and the sighting markers and bezel function as intended. The reverse markings “AK 39 / Fl.23235-1” are clear and well-defined, with the serial number 3868324 legible beneath the rotating underside plate. The original black leather strap remains complete and original, retaining its correct wartime stitching, studs, and metal buckle, with expected wear and patination but no structural issues. Overall, a notably well-preserved and complete example. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMCOOXDEO_7738224438
