Retiflector Gun Sight, Top Central Fire Director, B-29 Superfortress

This is an original, authentic WWII-era Retiflector Gun Sight used in the USAAF Boeing B-29 Superfortress bomber. This gun sight was installed at the station of the Central Fire Director located at the top of the aircraft.  

This sight was the same operationally as the sights used in the pedestal sighting stations located at the port and starboard sides of the aircraft, in that it communicated directly with the central fire control system to aim the guns of the aircraft at the enemy aircraft. It is different in its physical configuration as needed for installation in the sighting ring rimming the blister of the central fire director... the reticle projection mechanism is offset 90 degree to the right of the sighting lens.  See diagrams in photo gallery.

The stem of the target sizing knob is slightly bent making it stiff to turn. But it would only be operational with electrical input.  Otherwise, the glass, shades, housing, lamps, and sighting bead are intact. An exceptional artifact!