For the record, the compass had been packed in only its retail box, with 2 small pieces of bubble wrap, and only a brown paper wrapping on the outside. The retail box was old and badly water-stained in one area, obviously from years prior. But there was no sign whatsoever of any shipping damage or recent leaking.
The once-clear plastic dome had bruising over much of its exterior, due to age--it was shopworn as if it had been handled many times, on display, over a period of many years.
"There's more to optics than meets the eye."--anon
"...most of us would be better off losing half a pound around the waist than half a pound on our rifle."--dhg
