astro-compass mark II
Date: circa 1944
Inventory Number: 1996-1-0479
Classification: Astro-compass
Subject:
Maker: W. W. Boes Company (fl. 1940s)
Author: Herbach & Rademan, Inc. (fl. 1940 - 1955)
Donor: John O. Brew (1906 - 1988)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
compass: 21 × 10.6 × 13.2 cm (8 1/4 × 4 3/16 × 5 3/16 in.)
box: 14.5 × 25 × 13.3 cm (5 11/16 × 9 13/16 × 5 1/4 in.)
Accessories: Instruction booklet (lib. 5155), case with strap, advertising flyer
Bibliography:
Instructions for the Use of Astro Compass MK. II
Description:
Standard military issue astro-compass in plastic storage box. This instrument has an alidade ("star sight") with a lens, mounted on a declination scale. Below this is the north hour circle and south hour circle on a drum. The drum is adjusted for latitude by a scale on one axis and a knob on the other. There is a micrometer screw of fine adjustments. The drum is carried on two uprights that sit on top of the azimuth circle. The azimuth circle rotates with respect to a tab with the lubber's line (marked "TRUE HEADING" with an airplane). The tab has crossed bubble levels.
The instrument sits on 3 feet, 2 of which are leveling screws. The feet are attached to a mounting bracket or stand.
Box has a canvas strap. There is an instruction booklet in the box and an advertising flyer for war surplus instruments. The advertiser is Herbach and Rademan, Inc of Philadelphia, and the astro-compass illustrated is made by Sperti rather than W. W. Boes, who made this example.
The instrument sits on 3 feet, 2 of which are leveling screws. The feet are attached to a mounting bracket or stand.
Box has a canvas strap. There is an instruction booklet in the box and an advertising flyer for war surplus instruments. The advertiser is Herbach and Rademan, Inc of Philadelphia, and the astro-compass illustrated is made by Sperti rather than W. W. Boes, who made this example.
Signedon case lid and on instrument label: The W. W. Boes Co.
on instruction booklet: The W. W. Boes Co. Dayton, Ohio
on alidade: THE / W. W. B. / CO. / 7 [in a circle]
on advertising flyer: HERBACH & RADEMAN Inc. * 522 MARKET ST. * PHILA. 6, PA.
on instruction booklet: The W. W. Boes Co. Dayton, Ohio
on alidade: THE / W. W. B. / CO. / 7 [in a circle]
on advertising flyer: HERBACH & RADEMAN Inc. * 522 MARKET ST. * PHILA. 6, PA.
Inscribedon case lid and instrument label: COMPASS-ASTRO / AN5738-1 / MFR'S PART NO. XCD-94 / CONTRACT NO. W535 AC-36491
on underside of lubber's line: AN / V196 [in circle]
on underside of lubber's line: AN / V196 [in circle]
FunctionThe astro-compass is designed for celestial navigation in an airplane. With it, the navigator can determine the true heading of the aircraft, the true bearing of a distant landmark, and the relative bearing of a distant object.
Primary SourcesThe W. W. Boes Company, Instructions for the Use of Astro Compass MK. II (Dayton, circa 1940).
ProvenanceProfessor John Otis Brew; gift to CHSI, 1977.