find british soldier with number, help

[Just]

Hello

is it possible to know the owner of this compass ?

thanks for answers
cordially
Didier

[magpie]

I think you'll find it's the serial number of the compass and nothing to do with a soldier, having said that certain makers of binoculars can be dated using it if you know who made them.

[Just]

the serial number is engraved on another part (5883)

so, I suppose it's a soldier's number

[magpie]

No, If you took this apart and tried to swap parts from 195884 (5884) they may not fit, they are all fitted individually assembled, marked, finished and cleaned then finally assembled with all the corresponding parts, otherwise you'd be in a right mess trying to put 100 of these together.