Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a wonderful piece of German WWII Panzerkorps militaria: the dual prism wide angle periscope for the Prismakoppel (prism cupola) of armored vehicles. A cupola was an extension of the commander's hatch, on the turret, which in this case allowed a safe view of the exterior through one of these periscopes when it was fitted into the housing on the hatch. These were used on the PzKpw III & IV, StuG III & IV, Tiger I & II, and Panther tanks. This periscope came from the American Armoured Foundation, Inc. Tank and Ordnance Memorial Museum. The AAF Tank Museum was a living memorial dedicated to the Tank and Cavalry soldiers of the world, which was unfortunately forced to close recently.

The periscope measures 8 1/4" x 7" x 2 1/8", and is made from a stamped and folded steel central body, which has two bakelite inserts in the ends, which contain the prisms. It is painted black, as with other examples that we have seen. There are two side studs on the top, which would clip into the mounting in the cupola.

The lower rear portion of the body is marked with the partial German three letter code je?, which does not match any of the known makers of optics during WWII. Most likely the makers of the prisms were different than the makers of the housing itself. Per GERMAN MILITARY LETTER CODES 1939-1945 by John Walter, there were several makers beginning with je, and all of them appear to be makers of vehicle components. There is the left curved part of the letter visible, so the only possibility we see would be "jee", for L. & R. Massholder of Heidelberg. To the right of this is a Waffenamt Eagle WaA816 marking. The lower prism can actually be removed using the two latches on the lower side, and the inside has a white paint Waffenamt Eagle Wa.A. 914 stamp. Definitely some nice research potential in this perscope.

Overall condition is very nice, and the optics and prisms are clear, with no cracking, though there is some oxidation too the silvering. The central line on both top and bottom prisms is intact, as is the center pointer.

A great example of some Panzer optics, used by tank commanders to safely view the exterior without exposing themselves to danger. Ready to display!