Antique WWI French Aeronautique Militaire Aeronautic Aircraft Compass Vion Paris

Description

Antique WWI French Aeronautique Militaire Aeronautic Aircraft Compass Vion Paris
Dimensions: 4" tall, 6" long, 5-1/2" wide, 3-1/2" diameter face
Weight: 2lbs 15oz
This antique French aeronautics compass was made by Vion, Paris. It is mounted on a gimbal and was designed to be mounted to the floor of a WWI war plane away from the motor and other magnets for easy viewing. The bowl of the compass would have been filed with glycerin or something similar to keep the dial from being effected by sudden movements by the plane. The dial of the compass was marked and painted with phosphorescent indicators for viewing at night. The entire base, housing and mounting screws are made of brass and copper alloys so as not to alter the magnets. Around the brass retaining ring it is stamped "Aeronautique Militaire" and there are several places where "C45M" is marked.
Some of the black paint is missing from the base of the gimbal. The seal under the glass has dry rotted and the compass is now empty of glycerin. The compass dial is EXTREMELY fragile and has had two pieces broken off which have been glued back on (the photos highlight the breaks, but they're only super noticeable under certain angles). The dial will be removed for safe storage and transport, but the housing will be fully assembled. When you receive the compass, you will need to disassemble the housing and remount the dial.
Pre-owned condition. Light signs of wear from use, storage and age. See photos for details.
XXQXX10
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