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Trench Periscope

National Museum of American History
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Object Details

Adams & Company
Description
Periscope for use in trench warfare, World War I. Wood and metal perioscope painted olive drab on the exterior and black on interior. Wood and metal shutter at bottom front of periscope slides up to reveal viewfinder. Corresponding mirror at top back of periscope reflects the scene down to the viewfinder, enabling the user to see up and over the trench from within the cover of the trench. Two hinged wooden flaps open at the top front and bottom back of the periscope to expose the interior mirrors for cleaning and repair. The periscope folds in half for storage. Manufacturer's label on shutter reads, "PERISCOPE No. 9 Mark 11 / (22 1/2 inches between Mirrors) / Adams & Co. / 1917. / When observing with a Binocular, rest it on / the Glass Screen. When observing without / a Binocular, lower the shutter until the eyes / are protected by it and the Glass Screen." Used during WWI and convoyed from the Base Ordnance Depot #1 at St. Nazaire, France, by Sergeant George C. Van Etton, who was relieved of the responsibility at the Army Supply Base, Norfolk, VA. Shipping ticket number 1514. Transferred from the War Department.
Location
Currently not on view
1917
ID Number
AF.24063
catalog number
24063
accession number
64099
Object Name
periscope
Physical Description
wood (overall material)
metal (overall; support material)
glass (overall:; inside material)
Measurements
overall, maximum (exhibit or expanded): 26 in x 4 1/2 in x 3 in; 66.04 cm x 11.43 cm x 7.62 cm
overall, minimum (shipping, storage, or collapsed): 13 in x 4 1/2 in x 6 in; 33.02 cm x 11.43 cm x 15.24 cm
part: between interior mirrors: 22 1/2 in; 57.15 cm
associated place
France: Pays de la Loire, Saint-Nazaire
See more items in
Political and Military History: Armed Forces History, Military
Military
National Museum of American History
related event
World War I
Record ID
nmah_1436492
Metadata Usage (text)
CC0
GUID (Link to Original Record)
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746b2-a9b9-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Related Content

  • 1917: A Year in the Collections

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