Western Europe, United Kingdom, England, Sheffield, World War I era, ca. 1918 CE. A fascinating World War I functioning periscope comprised of brass and carved wood and manufactured by R & J Beck Ltd. The ocular device features a bulbous wooden handle that has a threaded bolt that can detach from the rest of the scope for convenient packing. The long brass tube is painted taupe with a thick raised cylinder extending from it at a 90-degree angle at its base for one to look through and then capped by a cylindrical form that is flattened on one side to hold a glass circle from which one can direct their gaze. During World War I, this tool was of great use for peering out of the trenches without putting oneself at risk, and these were usually issued to commanding officers. A very well-preserved piece of military history! Size: 23" L x 3" W (58.4 cm x 7.6 cm)
Provenance: ex-Dundee collection, Newtownabbey, United Kingdom
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#160820
Condition
Paint chipping on metal areas and surface abrasions. Glass eye pieces are slightly cloudy, but the scope still functions. Some softening to maker marks. Minor nicks and abrasions to wood handle from age and use. Overall good condition.