Radio Compass Receiver Type SE-1440C

Récepteur de marine avec sortie pour écouteurs.

WW I era US Navy Compass Receiver type SE-1440A .. mfg by the Sperry Gyroscope Company for the USN Bureau of Steam Engineering in 1918. These were greatly improved radio receivers covering 150 to 1200 meters [approx 250 KC to 2000 KC] so you get coverage from the 160 meter Amateur band, through the Broadcast Band and down into the VLF range. Just too late for WW I .. most of the contracts were cancelled at the end of the war and very few sets were ever built

From: History of Communications-Electronics in the United States Navy, Howeth ..... "Late in 1918, the SE 1440A receiver became available. It was especially designed by the Washington Navy Yard for use with direction finders and integrally contained three stages of audio-frequency amplification. It was fitted with a "compass receiver" switch that permitted instant connection to the compass coil or to an ordinary antenna. Together with a 515A coil system and an SE 1762 compensating condenser, it became the model DA shore direction finder. The shipboard installations SE 74 and SE 995 were basically improved by refitting them with the SE 1440A receiver and a newly designed coil, SE 1512. These equipments were much simpler in operation and maintenance and were more accurate." 

Here you find 2 models, 2 with images and 0 with schematics for wireless sets etc. In French: TSF for Télégraphie sans fil.
All listed radios etc. from Sperry Gyroscope Company; Brooklyn (NY)