WWII U.S. Navy Bureau of Ordnance Mark 1 Anti-Aircraft Range Indicator – 1943 A.C. Gilbert

Original World War II U.S. Navy Bureau of Ordnance Anti-Aircraft Range Indicator Mark 1, manufactured by The A.C. Gilbert Company of New Haven, Connecticut in 1943. This handheld optical fire-control instrument was issued to Navy anti-aircraft crews to estimate the range of hostile aircraft using their known wingspan.

The front features adjustable range indicators with aircraft identification data for numerous German, Japanese, and Italian aircraft including the Messerschmitt Bf 109 and Bf 110, Focke-Wulf Fw 187, Junkers Ju 87 and Ju 88, Heinkel He 111, Savoia SM.79, and Japanese Type 97 and Type 99 bombers. The rear retains its original Bureau of Ordnance identification plate and the molded instruction, “TO BE HELD 24 INCHES FROM EYE.”

This example remains in excellent original condition with its black Bakelite body intact, crisp markings, original adjustment tabs, and intact ranging wires. A wonderful and increasingly scarce piece of WWII U.S. Navy anti-aircraft equipment suitable for display alongside naval or aviation collections.

Condition:

• Original 1943 manufacture
• Excellent original finish
• Bakelite body free of major cracks
• Data plate intact and legible
• Adjustment tabs present
• Internal ranging wires intact
• Displays very well

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