A fabulous heavily-engineered British Army Aircraft Identification Telescope dating back to the peak of World War 2, a time when defending our skies from the German Luftwaffe was still very much a priority for the British Government. Manufactured by Cooke, Troughton and Simms of York, the instrument is marked ‘Telescope Identification A.A. Mark III’ and dated 1942, also bearing the maker’s trademark, the British Military broad arrow (‘Crow’s Foot’) mark and the serial number 3945. During World War 2, such instruments were operated by Observer Corps and Woman’s ATS units (first and last images, web-sourced) to track the height and bearing of enemy aircraft, thus allowing the precise aiming of anti aircraft guns protecting the British coastline. Increasingly hard to source - particularly in this excellent and very original ex-service condition - the instrument survives with its original green paint, clear optics, controls for orientation and elevation both working correctly and all filters present. It comes complete with original transit case. A superb wartime relic and brilliant display and conversation piece, it weighs in at a hefty 17.3kg (38lbs) and measures 82cm in width and stands 25cm high, excluding the transit case.

Condition: In excellent used/ex-service condition with original paintwork showing only minor scuffs and scratches. The optics are clear, spirit levels intact, filters present and focusing and all other controls fully operational. The original fitted case has wear, multiple layers of coat and a thick dark wax wax to the outside, internally as original.

DUE TO ITEM’S SIZE AND WEIGHT NO INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING