This is a US Military Compass made by Superior Magneto painted with Radium Glow in the Dark Paint. From the markings it looks like this compass was manufactured in the 1950's for the US Military. The compass also comes with a carrying pouch. The Compass use to glow in the dark but the radiation from the radium has destroyed the zinc sulfide crystals mixed with the radium to cause that reaction. Items like this can be very useful in calibrating detectors like the Radiacode style of detectors because of the many different gamma energy peaks coming from the radium and the decay products. 
 
Radiation Readings from different detectors:
Radeye B20 (alpha, beta, gamma) 110,000 CPM
Radiacode 103 (gamma, dose rate) 100 uSv/hr
 
Pieces like this give off a good amount gamma radiation. Most of the alpha and beta radiation is going to be blocked by the compass housing and face. There are some sighting dots that have a very thin coating on them, where alpha and beta radiation can be detected getting through. The radiation reading in CPM (counts per minute) was made using a Radeye B20 radiation detector. The reading represents all the different types of radiation added together. If you want to get a similar radiation reading from this item make sure you are using a pancake probe. 
 
Dose Rate calculated with Radiacode 103 at center of item.
 
This item can be stored in a display case. The compass does give off a decent amount of gamma radiation, which can be difficult to shield against. But the radiation drops off pretty quick outside of a few feet. The compass will also produce radon gas as its a decay product from radium doped items.
 
Special care must be used when handling items like this. Gloves are recommended when handling or at the very least washing your hands with soap after handling. This isn't a child's toy and should only be handled with adult supervision. 
 
DO NOT DISASSEMBLE. 
 
Uranium Store and its owners are not liable from harm caused by mishandling this object.