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Item Overview
An exceptional piece of authentic World War II maritime history, this heavy brass identification nameplate was salvaged from a massive 1944 United States military vessel power system. Manufactured by the iconic Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company, this specific plate belonged to a massive 260 K.W. Ship’s Service D.C. generator overseen by the U.S. Navy Department's Bureau of Ships.
This is a phenomenal crossover collector's item appealing to military historians, naval veterans, industrial antique enthusiasts, and collectors of WWII homefront manufacturing artifacts.
Historical Context & Contract Timeline Note
• The "NObs" Prefix System: Buyers tracking Navy records will appreciate the procurement code sequence. The prefix "NO" designates a United States Navy contract overseen by the Bureau of Supplies and Accounts, while the "bs" explicitly marks it as managed by the Bureau of Ships (BuShips).
• Contract Sequence vs. Build Date: Bureau of Ships sequential NObs contract numbers began early in the war (1940–1942) with single, double, and low triple-digit numbers. A lower mid-sequence contract number like NObs-410 represents the massive fleet expansion orders funded and authorized during the height of the mid-war production push.
• Why the Dates Align: It was common for complex electrical machinery contracts to be signed and numbered a few months to a year before assembly was completed on the factory floor. This contract resulted in the final equipment build and official Navy inspection stamped right here at the peak of maritime deployment in 1944.
Technical Specifications (As Stamped)
• Manufacturer: Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company (Made in U.S.A.)
• Equipment Type: D.C. Generator
• Power Output: 260 K.W.
• Electrical Values: 120/240 Volts | 1210 Amperes
• Rotational Speed: 1200 R.P.M.
• Winding Profile: Shunt Wound (14.5 Shunt Field Amps)
• Part/Model Reference: 30119
• Instruction Manual Code: 7154
Historical & Military Provenance
• Military Branch: United States Navy Department – Bureau of Ships
• Service Role: "Ships Service" (Signifies this machine provided primary operational grid power to the vessel's lights, electronics, and auxiliary gear).
• Year of Manufacture: 1944
• Date of Inspection: 1944
• Wartime Navy Contract No.: NObs-410
• Equipment Serial Number: 53S22P766
Physical Dimensions
• Width: ~5 inches
• Height: ~8 inches
• Material: Heavy cast/stamped brass (or industrial bronze alloy)
Condition Report
• Front Profile: Excellent vintage condition. The main raised casting lines and deeply stamped mechanical serials remain 100% crisp and readable. Beautiful, undisturbed dark-honey patina that only comes with authentic age.
• Reverse Side: Features heavy, honest coastal/marine oxidation, pitting, and corrosion patterns earned from real-world exposure to operational sea environments during or after WWII.
• Structure: Completely flat with no severe bending or twisting. All four original corner rivet mounting holes are fully intact.
Please review the listing photos for precise measurements and close-up views of the surface condition.
