U.S. Army Field Artillery Scope dated 1943

A U.S. Army Field Artillery Scope in cast aluminium polished to a mirror finish with gold plated brass fittings. Excellent original optics, fully refurbished to the highest standards. With 10x magnification x 65mm objective lens and mounted on a custom made cradle fitted to a period mahogany tripod and newly made hardwood floor stand to provide stability to the tripod. The scope is also fitted with a horizontal level.

This optical instrument was manufactured by the Frankford Arsenal which was founded in 1816 by President James Madison. The Optical Production Department at the arsenal in Philadelphia was a centre for design and testing of all optical ‘fire control’ instruments used by the US Army. It was described as a city within a city having it’s own police force and fire department.
In 1941 they began a program to secure the benefits of a non-reflective coating to the lenses for better performance and durability.

Stamped Telescope M1918A2
Frankford Arsenal
1943 J.B.R
No. 187

Dimensions: Scope: 43cm / 17”long x 12cm / 5” wide On stand 150cm / 59” tall x 66cm / 26” wide