World War One U-BOAT Gyro Compass

Catalog #08665
WW 1 U-Boat Gyro Compass

This is one of my favorite items. It is a possibly one-of-kind World War One German U-Boat gyro compass. There were no magnetic compasses installed in German U-boats after 1909. This came into my collection as a wedding gift. My wife's great Grandfather was the gentleman who procured this unknowing for my collection. This man was one of the first submariners in US history. He served on the Adder (A-Boat) in 1903. The adder carried a crew of 5 men and was only 50 feet long. After WWI he volunteered to crew the recently captured German U-111 (pictured third from the left in photo above). The U-111 toured the U.S. Waterways in 1919 in connection with the Liberty Bond tour.

While on his journey back from Europe he at some point removed this gyro compass as a parting gift. Good thinking Gramps! He passed away in the 40's and this was bestowed upon me by his son, who has since passed as well. I have decided to donate the item to the U-Boot Museum in Cux Haven Germany when I go, unless someone offers me a really good price for it before that happens.