Lot 694

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Description:

U-249 HAND-HELD SEARCHLIGHT AND MORSE LAMP - THE FIRST U-BOAT TO SURRENDER AT THE END OF WORLD WAR II
An terrific identified relic, portable 250 volt 100 watt Morse signaling lamp from U-249, taken from the vessel following its The solidly-constructed 10" diameter lamp is weatherproof, with three clamps securing the shielded glass face to the front of the lamp. Two switches are present: one is an integral part of the left-hand grip which when squeezed activates the switch turning on the lamp. A toggle switch at right permits moves a shield onto and away from the bulb, alternately casting a light and dimming it. A crude sight is fitted at top to locate the sender's recipient. The lamp also bears a maker's plate attached at right. A neck strap is fitted to support the lamp, though it may be a replacement. An approx. six foot original electrical cord also remains, terminating in two bare leads. This lamp is accompanied by an attached ca. 1950s cardboard tag with mounted typed note, presumable by R.N. AB Kenneth Rilett who recovered the other U-249 items in this sale. The typed provenance reads, in part: "GERMAN SUBMARINE U-249 This searchlight came from the German Submarine U-249 which was the first submarine to surrender on May 9th 1945...The Submarine was stripped of all equipment before touring some British ports together with the U-776. The lamp which I used for many years and other items which were given away...". Royal Navy AB Kenneth Rilett was detailed by Capt. N. J. Weir, the officer overseeing the surrender, to assist in escorting the arrested U-249 crewmen to an internment camp. He then apparently returned to the submarine for salvage duty where he recovered this lamp. Copies of Rilett's orders to attend the vessel's prisoners and an Admiralty envelope addressed to Rilett sent by an Admiralty salvage officer in Bath, near Portland, date unknown are included. An identical signal lamp is pictured on page 322 of Gordon Williamson's book: "Torpedo Los!". Provenance: R.N. Seaman Kenneth Rilett; The War Museum. A printed color certificate of provenance and historical report with 20 photos of the sub's history, service and surrender will accompany this lot.

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March 18, 2016 10:30 AM EDT
Chesapeake City, 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