Mystery gun cradle ? compass cradle? What is this thing?

[carlisle1926]

I don't know what this thing is, do you? It weighs about 20lbs or so.
Jason Barnett

[shrike]

It's a searchlight director, or at least a portion thereof.

It's part of the control station for a 60inch M1942 searchlight set.

One listed on ebay right now - look at the 5th from last photo

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-WWII-Army-Anti-Aircraft-searchlight-and-equipment-/170741465229?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27c0fc008d

[carlisle1926]

I never would have guessed that one. It was under a pile of old junk aircraft parts, and I had assumed it to be part of a plane.

[cooper9411]

Huh! who would have thunk it!