Unusual Early German WW2 Luftwaffe Model AK 39 Wrist Compass by Kadlec

Here is an early and unusual example of a WW2 German Luftwaffe wrist or armband compass.

These compasses where used by German pilots and aircrew during WW2.

They where made by Kadlec in Prague, Czechoslovakia and introduced to the Luftwaffe in 1939, as the AK-39 (Armband-Kompass 1939).

I believe this is an early model that allowed the setting of a course by means of the clear top housing, which rotates and has a white guide across the top. There is also a central red circle to help indicate when the compass is level. Later versions had a transparent bottom, which allowed for more complex orientation procedures, and were made of white Bakelite instead of black.

What is unusual about this version is the fact the back of the black Bakelite housing does not show any maker’s marks or Luftwaffe references? I have been told that some of the very early “samples” just had a print circular label attached with the details, but I can’t confirm that.

Also the way the long leather straps fit to the casing is more like a conventional watch, with a non-removable metal pin/bar.


The compass itself has a clear (slightly aged yellow), Bakelite top ring and a one-piece black Bakelite body.

The top ring has repeating, vertical grooves to the outside top and side edges, a single, central, white stripe and a central red circle. It rotates for aligning directional headings as required.

The clear, liquid filled, interior of the compass has a floating black Bakelite panel with a white, directional arrow and 360 degree white directional markings in increments of thirty with white numerals at,3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, and 33, with a red "N" at the 360 degree north point.
It also has additional white lines at the four, major, cardinal directional points, North, South, East and West and the manufacturer’s name and location to the centre, "Kadlec Instrumentenfabrik-Prag".

The compass functions accurately and the circular plate floats freely in the encased liquid. It may have lost a little of the liquid inside (there is an air bubble across the face) but I am not sure how full these where when they where originally made.

It comes with its original soft long black leather strap with buckle fastening.

The compass measures 2.4” (6.2cm) diameter and end to end the strap is 12.75” (32.4cm) long.

It weighs 72g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 50918