Description
U.S. T149E1 Panoramic Artillery Telescope for M52 and M52A1 105mm Howitzers
Item Overview
This U.S. T149E1 panoramic artillery telescope is a gunner’s fire-control sight documented for the M52 and M52A1 105mm self-propelled howitzers. It was installed inside the vehicle at the gunner’s station and used mainly to lay the howitzer for direction during indirect-fire missions. Its rotating panoramic head, eyepiece, azimuth controls, and graduated scales allowed the gunner to aim from inside the enclosed fighting compartment. This is a mounted artillery instrument rather than a handheld observation telescope.
Identification and Features
The telescope is identified as the T149E1 and is cataloged under NSN 1240-00-344-4668. Federal catalog records also associate part number 7695888 with this stock number. Later records identify the same NSN with the M100C configuration. That later M100C cross-reference does not make this the separate M100 telescope. Army Field Manual FM 6-77 illustrates the T149E1 with a coarse azimuth scale, micrometer scale, azimuth counter, counter-reset knob, elevation control, eyepiece, and instrument-light fittings.
- Designation: Panoramic Telescope T149E1
- NSN: 1240-00-344-4668
- NIIN: 00-344-4668
- Catalog part number: 7695888
- Later configuration listing: M100C
- Federal Supply Class: 1240 optical sighting equipment
- Documented mount: Telescope Mount T179
- Primary purpose: Indirect-fire direction laying
- Documented applications: M52 and M52A1 105mm self-propelled howitzers
- Not the M100 telescope used with different artillery systems
Historical Background
The T149E1 designation appears in the Army’s December 1956 edition of FM 6-77 for the 105mm Howitzer M52. The manual names and illustrates the telescope while describing the gunner’s duties during indirect fire. The developmental “T” designation was retained in this early operating material, while later supply records placed NSN 1240-00-344-4668 under the M100C configuration. The T149E1 and later M100C records therefore form the relevant identification chain for this item.
End-Item Application
The T149E1 was part of the sighting equipment for the M52 and M52A1 105mm self-propelled howitzers. It operated from the T179 telescope mount at the gunner’s position in the front-right area of the turret. The mount included leveling controls and connected the sight to the howitzer’s elevation system. The vehicle’s separate T150E1 telescope was the normal direct-fire sight, while the T149E1 handled direction laying for indirect fire. Army maintenance records cover the fire-control installation on both the original M52 and the improved M52A1.
How It Worked
Before firing, the gunner leveled the T179 mount and set the commanded deflection on the T149E1’s coarse azimuth and micrometer scales. The rotating sight head was directed toward an aiming circle, aiming posts, or another known reference point. The gunner then traversed the howitzer until the vertical line of the reticle was correctly aligned. After the battery was oriented, the azimuth counter could be reset to the common deflection, and later corrections were entered directly on the counter. FM 6-77 states that the T149E1 could be used for direct laying in an emergency, but the T150E1 was the normal and more accurate direct-fire telescope.
Weapon-System Background
The M52 was developed during the early Cold War as a mobile 105mm artillery vehicle for armored and mechanized forces. Its chassis was related to the M41 Walker Bulldog light tank and was also shared with the M44 155mm self-propelled howitzer. The M52 carried the 105mm M49 howitzer in the M85 mount inside a large enclosed turret. The weapon had manual elevation and limited turret traverse, making accurate mechanical fire-control instruments essential. The M52A1 retained the same basic weapon and fighting-compartment arrangement while receiving an improved fuel-injected engine.
History of Use
The M52 entered U.S. Army service during the mid-1950s and was also supplied to allied armies during the Cold War. In firing positions, its crew operated as part of a battery controlled by a fire-direction center. The T149E1 allowed the gunner to establish the weapon’s direction, align aiming posts, apply announced deflection changes, correct for displaced aiming posts, and return the howitzer to a known reference after each mission. These tasks made the telescope part of the normal firing routine rather than a simple observation aid. The M52 family was later replaced in American service by newer self-propelled artillery, including the M108.
Condition
The telescope retains its military artillery-sight configuration and identifying information. The eyepiece, rotating head, scales, knobs, instrument-light fittings, and other components included with the sale are shown in the inventory photographs. Review the photographs for finish wear, scratches, oxidation, markings, and the exact included fittings. Internal optical condition and calibration are unknown.
Ideal For
This T149E1 is a specialized fire-control component for an M52 or M52A1 restoration, artillery museum exhibit, or Cold War optical-instrument collection. Its documented stock number, distinctive early designation, and later M100C catalog association also make it a useful reference for studying changes in Army fire-control nomenclature and supply records.
- M52 or M52A1 restoration projects
- 105mm self-propelled artillery displays
- Cold War fire-control collections
- Military optical-instrument exhibits
- Army artillery and vehicle research
Approx length 28", Approx width 8", Approx height 7", Approx weight 32lbs.
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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