M17 Telescope Elbow for M5/M7/M10 Gun Directors
$375.00
In stock
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M17 Telescope Elbow for M5/M7/M10 Gun Directors
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May Be Missing Lenses or Internal Optics | Ideal for Restoration or Display
Offered here is an original M17 Telescope Elbow, used with U.S. Army M5, M7, and M10 gun director systems—key optical fire control instruments used throughout World War II and the early Cold War era. These vintage optical assemblies are in as-is surplus condition and may be missing lenses, prisms, or other internal components. Despite this, they remain highly desirable for collectors, restoration projects, or static display purposes.
Historical Context
The M5, M7, and M10 gun directors were critical to the success of U.S. anti-aircraft artillery units during World War II and beyond. These electromechanical fire control systems calculated firing solutions for rapid-moving aerial targets and were often mounted in conjunction with 90mm and 40mm anti-aircraft guns. The M17 Telescope Elbow served as the optical sighting component of these directors, allowing the gun crew to visually track incoming threats and feed real-time data to the director's computing system.
The M17 featured an angled optical path—hence the "elbow" designation—providing ergonomic observation for operators and improving situational awareness. These instruments were precision-engineered and were often paired with mechanical computing elements and radar inputs in later configurations.
Because of their technical complexity and fragile internal elements, surviving examples of the M17 Telescope Elbow in complete condition are uncommon. These units are perfect for display, restoration, or use as donor components in larger optical restoration projects.
Product Details
- Item: M17 Telescope Elbow
- Application: Compatible with M5, M7, M10 gun directors
- Condition: Incomplete; may be missing lenses or internal optical assemblies
- Era: World War II through early Cold War
- Use: Anti-aircraft optical fire control systems
- Origin: Original U.S. military surplus
Ideal For:
- Fire control instrument collectors
- Military museum displays or dioramas
- WWII artillery system restorations
- Reenactment and education-based military exhibits
- Optical system hobbyists or restoration specialists
Whether you're restoring an anti-aircraft director or curating a display of WWII fire control systems, the M17 Telescope Elbow offers a rare piece of U.S. artillery optics history—even in its incomplete state.
Approx length 13", Approx width 5", Approx height 6.5", Approx weight 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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