Compass Used on the First Scheduled Air Mail Flight

On May 15, 1918, Lt. Howard P. Culver navigated between Philadelphia and Belmont Park, near New York City, using this liquid-filled compass installed in his Curtiss Jenny.

Gift of Mrs. A. Paul Culver

Display Status

This object is on display in America by Air at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.

America by Air

Object Details

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

INSTRUMENTS-Navigational

Physical Description

Brass; 3in. diameter; liquid filled type; used on 1st air mail flight.

Dimensions

3-D: 8 × 8 × 7.7cm, 0.5kg (3 1/8 × 3 1/8 × 3 1/16 in., 1 1/8lb.)

Materials

Metal, and glass

Inventory Number

A19680559000

Credit Line

Gift of Mrs. A. Paul Culver

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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