NZRAF escape compasse Button

[lulum]

hi, what did you think about this button thanks



regards

[Rogerd]

An original MI9 escape button.

[skypilot]

Nice example. Left hand or right hand thread? i.e. which direction do you turn it to screw it together - normal way or opposite?

[wanganui]

A nice original, wish it were in my collection!!

[seebee1]

Looks to be a fine original example, a New Zealand button as well, very scarce

[lulum]

thanks

[Jean-Loup]

This makes me want to unscrew all the buttons I have lying around!
Is there any way to recognise these buttons exteriorly?

JL

[Bond]

Very cool item and I also will be checking all my buttons! Expensive item I notice now it is on the estand.

[wanganui]

RNZAF compass button

Unfortunately Jean-Loup there is no way externally to tell whether your holding a compass button or not, it comes down to the tried and tested method of giving it a firm left & right twist to accommodate both thread types or perhaps if it's not sewn give it a shake listening for a slight rattle!!

I doubt at the current asking price this button will sell quickly, there seems to be a lot of solder visible, has it been wrenched off & re-soldered perhaps?? To say nothing of the overly polished to the point of destruction face.

[seebee1]

Not all buttons were threaded anti-clockwise, a real problem in trying to find one is that you can make it tighter and never find out if a compass is concealed. Also they often do not rattle.

[wanganui]

Not all buttons were threaded anti-clockwise, a real problem in trying to find one is that you can make it tighter and never find out if a compass is concealed. Also they often do not rattle.

Which is why the shanks are frequently wrenched off & re-soldered. As the compass is a tight fit within the button and unlikely to move, it's the rattle of the rose you have to listen for. Excellent hearing & a quiet room are an advantage!!

[Jean-Loup]

There should be a difference in weight though I suspect?
What uniforms were these buttons worn on, and what percentage of uniforms actualy had such a button? Was it something that each aircrew personal was supposed to have one example of? How did the aircrew themselves know which button was 'the' one?

I personaly like heavily polished buttons, it shows they had a long life.

JL