Lot 645

NORDEN BOMBSIGHT FOR B-17 FLYING FORTRESS

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NORDEN BOMBSIGHT FOR B-17 FLYING FORTRESS

Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000

Starting Bid: $1,500

(0 Bids)

by Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
July 30, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
106 East Main Street, Suite 103
Elkton, MD, US 21921

NORDEN BOMBSIGHT FOR B-17 FLYING FORTRESS
Norden Course Setting Bombsight, or 'CSBS' as used on a World War II Boeing B-17. This example with an added metal and wood transport tray is approximately 16.5 in wide x 10 in high x 9.5 in. deep, complete with the original full-length cloth wrapped electrical connection cable which is terminated by a right-angle 6-pin connector. All dials and adjustment knobs are present, as well as various caps protecting plane interface connection elements, nine in all. The leveling window glass is intact showing the port with two sets of leveling bubbles that would connect to the plane's controls through the gyro caging knob just above, which is covered with a protective cap. Nomenclature plate is held in place by both two rivets and two screws, and reads: 'U.S. AIR CORPS BOMB SIGHT' Type: M9B (followed with 'J-anchor-motif-S' as part of this number), 'Serial No. L2576', 'Insp. GPK', and 'P.O. 42-668-P', all either printed or stamped into the aluminum plate. Adjacent to this plate, is the additional painted marking 'NDPI' in a diamond, alongside a US '-anchor-' on the right-hand side of the device just under the '26V. D.C.' marked switch, we see the serial number again, this time applied by stencil in white paint. The rarely seen Norden bombsight was crucial to the success of the U.S. Army Air Forces' daylight bombing campaigns during World War II, and a well-protected secret. It was developed by Carl Norden for the U.S. Navy, then the Army Air Corps acquired its first Norden bombsight in 1932. Highly classified, it gave American forces bombing accuracy unmatched by any other nation at the time. The Norden bombsight functioned as part of a whole system when connected to the Sperry C-1 Autopilot. As the bomber approached its target, the bombardier entered data about wind direction, airspeed and altitude into the bombsight's analog computer, which calculated wind drift and provided the correct aim point. An internal gyroscope provided the stability necessary for using the telescopic sight at high altitudes. This integrated system provided unprecedented accuracy. Initial slow production of the Norden bombsight forced the rapidly expanding Army Air Corp to use the less accurate Sperry S-1 bombsight. Eventually, by 1943, enough Norden bombsights had been produced, and production of the S-1 ended. With an original 'WARNING' tag printed in red on manila card stock that reads with additional directions on storage of the bomb sight, both on and off the plane. This tag hangs from the gyro caging knob. Unfortunately, the rubber eye protection cap on the sighting lens has melted and disintegrated over time, turning it into a misshapen of rubber residue which would need to be removed and replaced for proper restoration, also deep cleaning of the undamaged sighting lens would also be required. Back right side of housing showing a structural crack to casing arm, that could be put back into shape (shown in photos). Presented on a vintage custom-made wood platform that allows the bomb sight to be positioned in the normal operating orientation by elevating and protecting the bomb sight's mechanical plane interfacing rod. Complete, in overall excellent condition, with no visible mechanical defects.

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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