Lot 820

Vion Paris Aircraft Gimbal Compass, Russian Military Aviation

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Lot 820
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Vion Paris Aircraft Gimbal Compass, Russian Military Aviation
Vion Paris Aircraft Gimbal Compass, Russian Military Aviation
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Vion Paris Aircraft Gimbal Compass, Russian Military Aviation

Estimate: $450 - $675

Starting Bid: $200

(0 Bids)
by Artemis Fine Arts
July 30, 2026 8:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Europe, France / Russia, ca. 1930s CE. A nickel-brass gimbal compass mounted on a wooden base. The indicator arrow bears the maker's mark "Vion Paris," a French manufacturer known for optical and navigational instruments, including aircraft compasses produced for France's military during the interwar years. The outer bezel is stamped "AERONAUTIQUE MILITAIRE RUSSE" along the degree increments, identifying its connection to the Russian Military Aeronautics division. The piece likely dates to the early Soviet period, when post-revolutionary airship development was emerging, including the 1921 flight of the Krasnaia Zvezda ("Red Star"), the first Soviet airship. Size: 6" Diameter x 4" H (15.2 cm x 10.2 cm); 6" H (15.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex-private collection, Fairhaven, Massachusetts, USA, collected from 2010 to 2015

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Item # 199136

  • Condition: Non-functional as a compass, but the gimbal mechanism still rotates freely. The liquid within the gimbal has evaporated, resulting in heavy mineralization and corrosion across the interior of the glass and compass card, which is now bent and misshapen. The nickel-brass housing exhibits patina, oxidation, and pitting. Mounted on a wooden base, though it is unclear whether this mount originates from the compass's original mount or was added later for display.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $749 $25
$750 $1,499 $50
$1,500 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $7,499 $250
$7,500 $14,999 $500
$15,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000