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This item SOLD at 2026 Jan 31 @ 13:45UTC-08:00 : PST/AKDT
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Preview: January 30th (10am - 5pm)
Pick ups: Feb 1st - Feb 3rd (10am - 5pm)
Preview and Pick up location: 27294 Fraser Hwy, Aldergrove, BC V4W 3P8
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U.S. Navy Azimuth Circle - Gyro Compass Mark III Mod. 2 (1943)
With Original Wooden Case - Removed from HMCS Drumheller - Personal Instrument of Captain G.H. Griffiths, O.B.E., RCN - COA Included
This exceptional WWII‑era U.S. Navy Azimuth Circle, Gyro Compass Mark III Mod. 2, manufactured in 1943, represents one of the most important navigational instruments used aboard Allied warships during the Battle of the Atlantic. Designed for precision bearing‑taking, gyrocompass alignment, and celestial or horizon reference, the azimuth circle was a critical tool for officers responsible for safe navigation, convoy escort duties, and ship handling under wartime conditions.
This particular example carries extraordinary historical significance: it was removed from the Canadian Flower‑class corvette HMCS Drumheller and belonged personally to her commanding officer, Captain George Humphrey Griffiths, O.B.E., RCN. Griffiths was one of the Royal Canadian Navy's most experienced wartime officers, known for his leadership during North Atlantic convoy operations and for his role in rescuing survivors of the torpedoed S.S. Capira during Convoy SC‑97 in 1942. His service earned him appointment as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire and a Mention in Despatches for distinguished conduct.
The HMCS Drumheller served extensively in the Mid‑Ocean Escort Force, protecting merchant convoys from U‑boat attacks during the most dangerous years of the war. Instruments such as this azimuth circle were essential to maintaining accurate bearings in heavy seas, low visibility, and combat conditions. As a commanding officer's personal navigational instrument, this piece would have been used directly by Captain Griffiths during watch rotations, course corrections, and convoy escort maneuvers.
The instrument remains in excellent preserved condition, retaining its wartime finish, optical components, and mechanical adjustments. It is housed in its original fitted wooden case, complete with period hardware and internal supports. The case shows appropriate age and service wear consistent with WWII naval use, adding authenticity and character without compromising structural integrity.
Accompanying the instrument is a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming its provenance from HMCS Drumheller and its ownership by Captain G.H. Griffiths. Provenanced WWII navigational instruments with direct ties to named RCN officers-especially those who served in the Battle of the Atlantic-are exceptionally scarce on the market.
Auction Location:
27294 Fraser Hwy., Aldergrove, British Columbia, V4W 3P8, Canada
Previewing Details:
January 30th (10am - 5pm) in-person and video calls.
Previewing Address: 27294 Fraser Hwy, Aldergrove, BC V4W 3P8
Video calls & Facetime previews are available as well via appointment only. To book an appointment please email us at auction@directliquidation.ca with a time between 10am-5pm PDT.
International Shipping is available through 3rd party. See shipping details.
Items must be paid in full on the day of the sale.
Preview: January 30th (10am - 5pm)
Pick ups: Feb 1st - 3rd (10am - 5pm)
Preview and Pick up location: 27294 Fraser Hwy, Aldergrove, BC V4W 3P8
NOTE: ITEMS NOT PICKED UP BY FEBRUARY 3RD WILL BECOME THE PROPERTY OF DIRECT LIQUIDATION, AND NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED UNLESS ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE WITH US.
Applicable taxes GST 5% PST 7%
Please make sure to include your PST number if you have one.
Taxes:
| Tax | Rate | Desc. |
| GST |
5% |
GST |
| BPST |
7% |
BC PST |
| NFLD |
5% |
NewFoundland |
| NB |
5% |
New Brunswick |
| NS |
5% |
Nova Scotia |
| PEI |
5% |
Prince Edward Island |
| ON |
5% |
Ontario |
| AB |
5% |
Alberta |
| MB |
5% |
Manitoba |
| NWT |
5% |
Northwest Territories |
| NT |
5% |
Nunavut |
| QC |
5% |
Quebec |
| SK |
5% |
Saskatchewan |
| YK |
5% |
Yukon |
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
18% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
All shipping operations will be managed through The UPS Store in Burnaby, located at:
4111 Hastings Street
Burnaby, BC
Contact Information:
Steve or Brian
Phone: 604.205.5888
Email: store325@theupsstore.ca
Should you have any questions or require assistance with shipping, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Steve or Brian directly at the contact number above.
Payment Details:
If your picking your items up, you can save 2% by paying cash or debit, NO discount for E-Transfer! All items not paid for within 48 hours of the conclusion of the auction, will be charged on your card. If items are being shipped, your card will be charged twice. Once for your items and again when shipping has been calculated.
* 18% Buyer Premium will be applied on purchases.
* Plus Applicable Taxes
* 16% if paying Debit or Cash
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Password: canada
Accepted Payment Methods:
- VISA
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- E-Transfer
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