Description
U.S. Army M31/XM32 Tank Periscope Body Assembly for M60/M60A1, P/N 8289211, S/N 5453
The U.S. Army Body Assembly, identified by part number 8289211 and serial number 5453, is a major optical and mechanical subassembly marked for the Periscope M31 and XM32.
This body assembly formed the lower section of the gunner’s tank periscope. It carries the eyepiece, adjustment controls, marked scales, and internal support needed to align the sight with the tank’s main gun.
The identification plate’s dual M31/XM32 marking is especially interesting. It documents a component made for the standard M31 optical periscope and the experimental XM32 designation associated with the later M32 infrared periscope family.
Historical Significance
The M31 and M32 periscopes were part of the fire-control equipment used with the U.S. M60 and M60A1 105mm gun tanks during the Cold War.
The M31, originally developed as the T50, served as an optical gunner’s sight. It was aligned with the main gun and used during aiming, boresighting, and zeroing procedures.
The M32 family provided infrared night-sighting capability. It worked with specialized ballistic-drive components that connected the periscope to the tank’s mechanical fire-control system.
This equipment came from a period before laser rangefinders and fully digital ballistic computers became standard. The M31 and M32 systems depended on precision optics, mechanical linkages, calibrated scales, and careful alignment by the tank crew.
The Army published its M31 maintenance manual in 1960 and its M32 maintenance manual in 1964. The dual designation on this assembly connects it directly to that early development period.
What This Item Is and Does
The body assembly is the central lower section of the periscope. It supports the eyepiece and visible adjustment mechanisms while providing a housing for the sight’s internal optical and mechanical components.
The marked adjustment scales and controls allowed the sight to be aligned in elevation and azimuth during boresighting and zeroing. Proper alignment ensured that the gunner’s aiming point matched the direction of the main gun.
This body assembly does not function as a complete sight by itself. A complete installation also required the correct periscope head, mounting equipment, ballistic-drive connection, and other vehicle fire-control components.
Key Features
- Official plate nomenclature: Body Assembly
- Part number: 8289211
- Serial number shown: 5453
- Marked application: Periscope M31 and XM32
- M31 development designation: T50
- Complete M31 periscope FSN: 1240-676-2174
- Original M32 periscope FSN: 1240-980-9288
- Verified vehicle application: M60 and M60A1 105mm gun tanks
- Equipment type: Optical and mechanical fire-control subassembly
- Visible components: Eyepiece, adjustment controls, scales, identification plate, and housing
- Included: One marked periscope body assembly
- Not included: Periscope head, vehicle mount, ballistic drive, linkage, wiring, tank, or other fire-control equipment
The listed Federal Stock Numbers identify the complete M31 and M32 periscopes. They do not identify part number 8289211 as a complete periscope.
Why This Item Matters
Original M60-series optical components are often difficult to identify after removal from the tank. This assembly retains its military identification plate, part number, serial number, and model applications.
The XM32 marking gives this example added historical interest. It reflects the development period when the Army was adapting the M60-series fire-control system for infrared night operations.
This body assembly is valuable for restoration planning, museum interpretation, technical study, and displays explaining early Cold War tank optics and mechanical fire control.
About This Item
The identification plate is marked BODY ASSEMBLY 8289211, FOR PERISCOPE M31, XM32, and SERIAL NO. 5453.
The photographed assembly retains its eyepiece, adjustment knobs, marked scales, and identification plate. It shows dust, grime, paint wear, scratches, chipped finish, and other signs of age, handling, and long-term storage.
Optical clarity, internal completeness, nitrogen seals, adjustment accuracy, and operational condition have not been tested or verified.
This listing is for the body assembly only. It is not a complete M31, XM32, or M32 tank periscope.
Ideal For
- M60 and M60A1 restoration projects
- Periscope M31 restoration
- XM32 and M32 infrared-periscope displays
- U.S. armored-vehicle collections
- Cold War tank fire-control exhibits
- Military optics collections
- Mechanical fire-control displays
- Military museums
- Technical-reference collections
- Educational and historical exhibits
Approx length 9", Approx width 8", Approx height 4", Approx weight 4 lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item's general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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