Description
Telescope Reticle-Light Control Assembly
The Telescope Reticle-Light Control Assembly, P/N 8619165-1, is a U.S. Army remote light-source control used with M105D and M105F articulated gun telescopes. Its rotary rheostat switches the illuminated aiming reticle on and off and adjusts reticle brightness for low-light or nighttime aiming.
The control supplies and regulates electrical power to the lamp fitted at the telescope's illumination adapter. It is an electrical sight-illumination control, not a telescope, reticle, or complete fire-control system.
Historical Significance
The M105 series of articulated telescopes formed part of the direct-fire sighting equipment used on several Cold War-era U.S. armored vehicles. Illuminating the reticle allowed the gunner to retain a visible aiming reference when ambient light was insufficient.
Documented applications for this light-source control and associated M105 telescope installations include the M60 and M60A1 tanks, the M48A5 tank, and the M728 Combat Engineer Vehicle. On the M728, it supported the M105F 8-power direct-fire telescope used with the vehicle's 165mm M135 demolition gun.
M105D and M105F Telescope Applications
The M105D and M105F were articulated gun telescopes, meaning their eyepiece and optical line of sight were arranged to function within the vehicle's fire-control installation as the weapon changed elevation. The light-source control operated the reticle illumination circuit independently of the telescope's mechanical aiming function.
The assembly's current federal classification is NSN 6110-00-970-8656. Period optical-maintenance documentation also identifies the same item under stock number 1240-00-970-8656, reflecting its earlier classification with optical instruments.
What This Item Is and Does
This assembly is the gunner's electrical control for the telescope reticle lamp. Turning the rotary rheostat energizes the illumination circuit and allows the operator to vary the reticle's brightness for the surrounding light conditions.
The control sends regulated power to the remote lamp at the telescope illumination adapter. It does not traverse the turret, elevate the weapon, adjust the telescope's optical focus, or replace the telescope itself.
Key Features
- Official federal item name: Control, Light Source, Remote
- Army part number: 8619165-1
- Current NSN: 6110-00-970-8656
- Legacy optical-classification stock number: 1240-00-970-8656
- Associated telescope models: M105D and M105F articulated gun telescopes
- Documented vehicle applications: M60, M60A1, M48A5, and M728 Combat Engineer Vehicle
- Control function: reticle-lamp on/off switching and variable-brightness adjustment
- M728 application: M105F 8-power direct-fire telescope for the 165mm M135 demolition gun
- Marking clarification: 8635109 identifies the assembly's decal or identification marker; it is not a telescope model number
Why This Item Matters
This identified control is a useful component for preserving or interpreting the optical fire-control systems fitted to U.S. armored vehicles of the Cold War. Its function illustrates how conventional direct-fire telescopes were adapted for effective aiming in reduced-light conditions.
The matched Army part number, federal stock numbers, and M105-series application also make it valuable as a reference component for restorers, museums, and collectors working with M60-series tanks, the M48A5, or the M728 Combat Engineer Vehicle.
About This Item
The offered item is one telescope reticle-light control assembly identified by P/N 8619165-1. The telescope, telescope mount, illumination adapter, and other fire-control components are separate equipment.
References to P/N 8635109 concern the identification decal or marker used on the control assembly. That number should not be interpreted as the model or part number of an included telescope.
All items are opened from the original packaging to verify its condition before shipment. If your prefer to receive an item in its original, unopened packaging, please indicate your request in the order comments at checkout. Please Note: If you request an item in its original, unopened packaging, we are unable to verify the item's condition prior to shipment.
Ideal For
This item is a strong fit for:
- M60, M60A1, M48A5, and M728 vehicle restoration projects
- M105D and M105F articulated telescope displays
- Armored-vehicle and fire-control-system museum exhibits
- Cold War U.S. Army optics collections
- Technical study and parts-identification reference
Approx length 4", Approx width 4", Approx height 4", Approx weight 1.2lbs.
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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