Authentic Mid-Century Boeing & Keuffel & Esser CollaborationUp for sale is a genuine, beautifully preserved piece of mid-century aviation and manufacturing history: an authentic Boeing Compass Swinging Target.This highly specialized precision optical instrument was utilized by ground crews and mechanics to accurately calibrate onboard magnetic compasses for vintage aircraft on the flight line.Historical Provenance & Markings:• Boeing Data Plate: The original central data plate is completely intact and legible, reading: "BOEING AIRPLANE COMPANY - SEATTLE DIVISION." It features Sub-Assembly No. 184, Part No. F52269-500, and is stamped "ONE OF 5 SUB-ASSEMBLIES," noting an incredibly limited production run for this specific tool group. It also retains its silver "CAL\CERT 116087" calibration asset tracking label.• Dual Boeing Castings: Features the word "BOEING" cast directly into the upper structural frame as well as the lower leveling hub assembly, alongside the factory prefix markings "BTG" (Boeing Tool Group).• Keuffel & Esser Base: The heavy cast alloy indexing base plate was manufactured specifically for Boeing by legendary instrument makers Keuffel & Esser Co. It is boldly stamped "& E CO." and features crisp, raised directional alignment markers including "FRONT" and "OBJECTIVE."Condition Details:• Optics & Functionality: Fully tested fixed-focus collimator optics. Both the front objective lens and the rear eyepiece lens elements are intact and free of cracks. Light transmits perfectly through the barrel, and the internal crosshair reticle remains crisp, sharp, and clearly visible against light.• Mechanics & Structural Body: The telescope tube rests cleanly inside its original U-shaped trunnion cradles and pivots along its axis. The heavy cast alloy base frame and reinforced underside ribs are structurally rock-solid with no cracks or edge fractures. The mechanical leveling thumbscrews feature crisp threads and turn smoothly.• Spirit Levels: The primary horizontal glass spirit level tube is completely intact, unbroken, and highly legible.• Honest Flight-Line Patina: The piece features gorgeous, natural mid-century aging, including honest paint flaking and texture pitting on the original black crinkle finish.• Note on Wear & Missing Component: Features a minor cosmetic nick on the edge of the circular knurled leveling plate. Additionally, the small circular brass cup housing on the corner of the cast base plate is currently empty (missing its original secondary internal vial/compass element). Please see macro photos for exact details.This structural, mechanical artifact makes an extraordinary display piece for military aviation enthusiasts, warbird collectors, or as a high-end statement piece for industrial steampunk and aerospace decor.Will be packed with extreme care using heavy padding and a sturdy box to ensure all optical glass, cast metal, and spirit levels arrive safely.B3
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