RARE non-reissue KM U-boat G7a Torpedo GA VIII Gyroscope
An exceptionally rare original boxed example of the WW2 German Kriegsmarine U-Boat air-driven GA VIII (Geradelaufapparat VIII) torpedo directional gyroscope.
*** Notably a non-reissue example, coming exactly as it was found within Maine (USA), that remains fitted with all of the wartime ancilliary parts and storage box with internal tools! The only such complete example in this state which we have ever seen, yet alone had the opportunity to offer! ***
The GA VIII was used in all of Kriegsmarine's straight-running G7a torpedoes, as well as others with various modifications since it was possible to preset the launch course to a maximum of +/- 90 degrees.
This particular example retains all matching serial numbered components, and is presented in super condition owing to having always been stored within the original reinforced wooden storage box.
The gyroscope is constructed with a brass main body, with a copper and nickel main wheel / outer surround, and some smaller steel ancillary parts. The main gyroscope wheel, which would have spun up to 21000 rpm in operation upon launch, can still be spun perfectly smoothly on its bearings, such is the truly outstanding quality of the engineering on this piece!
The original reinforced wooden transit box is also included; retaining most of the original red paint to the internal area with dark field grey present to a high degree externally. Some wear and tear / delamination to as to expected from age and having remained in full original wartime state for 80 years!
The box notably also features an internal metal housing to hold the gyroscope, which is cradled within a specially designed suspension frame - a critical feature in order to ensure that any pre-set calibration / direction settings for the instrument would not be lost in the event of any rough handling prior to installation within the torpedo.
The gyroscope still comes with the 4x original screw bolts to enable it to be fitted and removed from the frame/box when desired.
Also included are the original adjustment / calibration tool - which is almost always missing - as well as the clamp tool, stored internally within the transit box, both as shown.
External dimensions of transit / storage box are approximately: 40 x 28 x 28 cm.
A truly unique opportunity to obtain an example of an extremely rare, untouched piece of Kriegsmarine U-boat related equipment! The critical component from what was, arguably, one of the most feared weapons employed during WWII.
*N.B. please note this item is both large/bulky and very heavy when considering shipping. Shipping costs may also differ from those calculated by the automated checkout system. Collection preferred wherever possible.