December 7th Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 144:
Description
This is an extremely rare and historically pivotal artifact of early U.S. naval aviation, identified as a Bomb Sight Mark 1-A, complete in its original wooden transport case. This type of sight represents the nascent technology of precision aerial bombardment used during the World War I era and immediate interwar period, typically mounted on early Navy observation and bombing aircraft. The sight assembly is a complex mechanical device featuring metal adjustment rods, gears, and finely tuned mechanisms designed to calculate the bomb s release point based on altitude and speed. Crucially, the identification plate mounted on the sight confirms the model MARK 1-A, and states it was MANUFACTURED BY EDISON PHONO. WORKS, ORANGE, N.J., U.S.A. , a remarkable piece of history confirming Thomas Edison s company s contribution to WWI military technology. The original wooden case, which features stenciled markings BOMB SIGHT MARK 1-A and the manufacturer s abbreviated name, is serial numbered No. 39 and Lot No. 86, underscoring its early production status and rarity. This complete, documented piece is a museum-quality artifact of pioneering American aviation and early ordnance development.
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