Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice Pre-WWII example of the Army Type B-16 Direct Reading Magnetic Compass. This type was used across a number of US Army Air Corps and Air Forces aircraft during WWII, including heavy bombers B-17, B-24, B-29, medium bombers B-25 and B-26, as well as light bomber A-20, according to the Accessories Interchangeability Chart dated Feb 1945. It was also used in versions of US Army Air Force WWII fighters P-38, P-39, P-40, and P-47, as well as transports C-46 and C-47.
This example is in great shape, and has a lot of features that were removed later in the war to simplify construction. The front is marked:
A.C. U.S. ARMY
TYPE B-16
SER. No. AC-41-20122
This indicates manufacture in 1941, so it was most likely made prior to the start of U.S. involvement in WWII. The top has a data plate with the order and part numbers, and indicates that it was made by the PIONEER INSTRUMENT DIVISION of BENDIX AVIATION CORPORATION, located in BENDIX, NEW JERSEY, U.S.A.
The condition is very nice, with wear commensurate with age. There is still liquid inside the compass, and it looks to still be functional. There are several adjustment screws, and we do not know if that part of the instrument still works.
A great piece of Pre-WWII aviation history! Ready to display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
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