Original German WWII German RK31 Richtkreis 31 Artillery or Mortar Trench Periscope Adapter With 1936 Dated Leather Case – Formerly Part of the A.A.F. Tank Museum Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely example of the WWII German RK31 (Richtkreis 31) artillery / mortar fire trench periscope adapter. This device would have been attached to the standard scope to provide direct line of sight fire from a defense or entrenched position. The battlefield is viewed by the use of two opposing glass mirrors, one top, one bottom, held in a wooden case held together by twisted wire. A fairly crude design but it got the job done, and was cheap and easy to mass produce at the time.

The optic came to us 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. Before 1981 some of the artifacts that make up the AAF Tank Museum was a private collection belonging to Mr. William Gasser. Mr. Gasser felt that his collection would be beneficial in educating present and future generations to the sacrifices made and the technologies gained during war. Therefore, in 1981 the AAF Tank Museum was established as a non-profit charitable organization, and Mr. Gasser’s donated his private collection to the Tank Museum. Mr. Gasser is still active as Volunteer Director and Curator of the Tank Museum and his knowledge of military history has been a great asset to the museum. Unfortunately after 20 years of operation it had to close its doors, which is when this sight was acquired.

The periscope is in very good condition, with the mirrors in great shape, just a little dirty. There is a bit of wear and some chipping in the paint on the housing, but that is to be expected on any item this age. The periscope does not appear to have seen much use and may have been “liberated” from a factory or stores building for military equipment.

The top still retains full markings:

HILDEBRAND-
WICHMANN-WERKE
FREIBERG-SA
146534

In 1873, Max Hildebrand became a business partner of August Lingke & Compagnie in Freiberg, Saxony. He had gained experience in Paris, England and in the world-famous Berlin workshop Pistor und Martins. For several years, the devices bore the brand name Hildebrand früher August Lingke, around 1880 it was changed to Hildebrand & Schramm.

The company, which manufactured a complete range of products, including mining measuring instruments and tools, under his leadership achieved an excellent position on the market. Let us recall the so-called Freiber ball, which allows the forced centering of the theodolite with an accuracy of 0.05 mm, or a repetitive mining theodolite. The company equipped the unsuccessful polar expedition of the Swedish airman Salomon August Andrée in 1897 with a precise theodolite.

During the crisis after World War I, the company Hildebrand-Wichmann-Werke was established in 1921 by merging with the well-known Berlin company. It had a wide range of production, including office and laboratory supplies. After 1950, the plant was called VEB Freiberger Präzisions-Mechanik (FPM).

The 1936 leather case is in wonderful condition and free of any real damage. There is verdigris buildup in some areas as well as staining on the leather but is otherwise offered in wonderful condition. The case still functions as intended and closes properly on the front.

A lovely set ready for further research and display.