Original British WWI Mk IX Trench Periscope By R. & J. Beck Ltd. Dated 1918 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. A periscope is an instrument for observation over, around or through an object, obstacle or condition that prevents direct line-of-sight observation from an observer’s current position.

In its simplest form, it consists of an outer case with mirrors at each end set parallel to each other at a 45° angle. This form of periscope, with the addition of two simple lenses, served for observation purposes in the trenches during World War I. Military personnel also use periscopes in some gun turrets and in armored vehicles.

More complex periscopes using prisms or advanced fiber optics instead of mirrors and providing magnification operate on submarines and in various fields of science. The overall design of the classical submarine periscope is very simple: two telescopes pointed into each other. If the two telescopes have different individual magnification, the difference between them causes an overall magnification or reduction.

This is a fine original example complete with a maker’s plate and much of the original Green paint present on the brass parts. The data plate is located on the opposite side of the view port and the following information:

PERISCOPE
Mk IX
1918
R. & J. Beck Ltd.
No 17606

Brothers Richard and Joseph Beck formed the optical manufacturing firm of R and J Beck in 1843, based in London. The firm is remembered for helping to raise the status of the use of microscopes within scientific research but clearly in WWI this was extended to help saving lives on the battlefield.

The instrument measures 23″ overall and has a removable varnished turned beech wood handle with a brass screw attachment point. The brass eyepiece has a focus ring on it and the optics are in good clear condition and all function as intended. The brass body of the periscope fortunately still carries most of its original olive drab paint. These instruments are often found stripped and the brass body polished to a high shine but this one has fortunately avoided this fate. The Mk IX are generally regarded as intended for use by Officers and they provided the potentially lifesaving function by enabling a clear view over the parapet of the trench into ‘no man’s land’ without risking life from the German sharpshooters in the opposing trench.

A fine example of a crucial instrument used during WW1! Comes ready for display.