CZK - Náramková buzola vz. 53

Bracelet buzzer vz. 53 is an essential means of determining cardinal directions and other topographical data such as direction of march, direction of fire, orientation of radio station antennas and, in case of emergency, time. The vz. 53 is liquid-buffered, which significantly reduces the time of the rifle's docking time. I am familiar with two versions of this buzzer, both are pictured. The difference is in the magnum of the firing pin. Probably the older model has two small magnets mounted on a rectangular-shaped holder, the scale is divided by 2 degrees, only north is highlighted and the "sights" form an arrow. They are black, without highlighting in luminous colour. The arrow pointing north is formed by a luminous triangle on the revolving scale of the rifle. This has a scale divided by 5 degrees, the numbering is by 30 degrees in tens of degrees 30 degrees = 3. The notches to make it easier to rotate the turret in the holder are in 15 degree increments. The newer and more common design has calibration in increments of 3 degrees. With a diameter of 47 mm, one part per 1 mm comes out, allowing a reading with a maximum accuracy of 1.5 degrees. The dial is formed by a single elliptical magnet. The basic cardinal points are marked. North by a luminous triangle pointing to the centre, East, West and South by the letters V, Z, J. The main scale has numerals of 15 degrees also marked with dots. Each 500 dc (+30 degrees) is numbered counterclockwise in red. The reading is made by means of a luminous line on the cap. The direction to north is indicated on the revolving scale of the dial by a line ending in a small arrow. The scale is calibrated in dc divided into 60 parts numbered clockwise. There is also a small auxiliary scale on the scale for determining the approximate time by means of the shadow of the line on the cap. It is calibrated by the hour, counterclockwise with 3h and 9h markings. 0 o'clock is in the east, 6 in the north and 12 in the west. The bezels are moulded on the lid and highlighted with luminous paint. The scalloping of the cap is at approx. 5 degree intervals.
Both versions also allow use as a round spirit level. For this purpose they have two concentric circles on the cap. On the bottom of the bouzoula there is a red line with 0.5 cm division and a highlighted division of 1 cm. The case has protrusions on the S and J which are used to orient the poles when placed on the map. There is also a difference in the colour of the plastic of the mace, one version is yellow and the other is green, closer to the clear version, but it is possible that this is a change caused by UV radiation.
Pearl: "The strap is used to secure the bouzoula to the wrist of the left hand." So it probably wouldn't work on the right hand.


Source: own collection,
NCO's Handbook, Naše vojsko, Prague 1962