Description:

NORDEN BOMBSIGHT
One of the most advanced pieces of technology used in action during World War II, a Norden M9B bomb sight, as used in most U.S. level bombers of the war, including the B-17, B-24, B-25 and B-29. The instrument's overall dimensions are approx. 17.5 in. wide, 9.5 in deep, 11 in. tall. The sight head consists of a gyroscopic stabilization platform at right, with a mechanical computer at left, with the bombardier's eyepiece located between the two. Dials allow the bombardier to input the aircraft's estimated altitude, speed and flight direction. A glass window allows monitoring of the gyroscope, the most critical component of the sight. The bomb sight calculates the current aim point internally and displays this as a sliding pointer on the index, located on the left-hand side. In operation, the sight would be set far in advance of the aim point, and as the bomber approached the target the sighting point indicator would slowly slide toward the aim point. When the two met, the bombs were automatically released. The stabilizing base (not present) would connect to the aircraft's autopilot system, placing the aircraft under the bombardier's command during its bomb run. The sight, a rarer example, was manufactured by the Lukas-Harold Corp., Type M9B, serial number L926, order no. 42-668-PGPK, made in 1942. The instrument shows some old grime and oxidation, largely to the dials, paint in generally very good condition, with clear optics and smooth articulation to the movable components, the rubber of the eyepiece shrunken and mummified. Very good overall. An iconic piece of wartime technology.

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April 6, 2022 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000