Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice U.S. Army Air Forces Bubble-Type Sextant with Altitude Averaging device, USAAF part number AN-5851-1, in very good condition. These were used for night time navigation about WWII Aircraft, designed to hang from a suspension arm in the bubble canopy of a military aircraft. These were used in Bombers such as the PBY and B-17.
It comes complete with its black Bakelite Case/ Transit chest, which would be carried on board the plane, and then opened up Navigator station. The case is designed so that it can lie fully open on a flat surface.
There is a data plate on the side of the sextant which reads:
BUBBLE SEXTANT - BUBBLE TYPE
(WITH ALTITUDE AVERAGING DEVICE
AN-5851-1
MFRS. PART NO.3014-1-B
MFRS. SERIAL NO. AF-43-16378
CONTRACT NO. AC-32752
BENDIX AVIATION CORPORATION
ECLIPSE - PIONEER DIVISION
The top of the wooden case is also marked, however the serial number does not match and is 14682, from the same production run. This unit is in very good condition, and comes complete with the "flashlight" style battery compartment for the lights in the sextant.
The sextant timer still winds up and will run, though we do not know if it is accurate. The optics are clear, but a bit dirty. It looks to still have the oil mixture inside to form the bubble. The various shades still work well, and the eyepiece is soft.
Case measures approximately 11" x 10 1/2" x 10 ", and has a data tag with information matching the sextant, except for the serial number. Inside the case is the hanger for the sextant, the battery holder, as well as the original instruction manual. The substantial foam rubber padding inside the case is still soft, and the original leather closure / carry strap is still intact, with some light cracking from age.
A great chance to own a piece of military history. Ready to display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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