A new feature on the M-72 and M-73 was a reinforced hinge in which the pin was a predetermined breaking part. A former owner and head of Barker explained that the Australian soldiers used to test their strength by holding the lid in one hand and the case in the other and break the connection with a single twisting movement*. For this reason Barker developed a new hinge fixed by screws instead of a brazed tab. The protection grid of the sighting window was also reinforced and attached by screws and threaded bushes.

Original. Uncleaned. I assume the black was painted on by the soldier so as not to give his position away. This is a genuine original not a reproduction. I will not be cleaning this it would much better be left to a professional. These compasses are considered one of the best and most accurate ever produced and are a precision instrument.

I am not an expert on these so any defects or faults will be the onus of the buyer.