Description
U.S. Army Tripod M17 for the M65 Battery Commander's Telescope, Drawing 6574387, NSN 5825-00-657-4387
The U.S. Army Tripod M17, identified by drawing number 6574387 and later NSN 5825-00-657-4387, was designed to support the M65 Battery Commander's Telescope through the separate M48 Telescope Mount.
This tripod served as the field support for one of the Army's primary artillery observation instruments. It is not an aiming-circle tripod, mortar bipod, machine-gun tripod, or surveying tripod.
The photographs show the tripod folded for transport with its original telescoping wooden legs, pointed steel shoes, and empty mounting socket. The M48 Telescope Mount and M65 Battery Commander's Telescope are not included.
Historical Significance
During World War II, forward observers became one of the most important parts of American artillery operations. Their ability to locate targets and accurately adjust artillery fire often determined the success of a mission.
The M65 Battery Commander's Telescope was developed as a portable observation instrument that allowed artillery officers to observe the battlefield while measuring azimuth and angle of site. These measurements were used to identify targets, determine direction, and assist with fire adjustment.
The M17 tripod provided the stable platform needed for accurate observation. Army Technical Manual TM 9-1580 illustrates the tripod supporting the M48 Telescope Mount and M65 Battery Commander's Telescope exactly as intended. The tripod remained in Army service after World War II as the M65 observation system continued to serve with U.S. artillery units.
What This Item Is and Does
The M17 tripod consists of three adjustable wooden legs attached to a central metal head.
Each leg telescopes to allow the observer to level the instrument on uneven terrain. Pointed steel shoes helped anchor the tripod securely into soil during observation.
The tripod itself does not support the telescope directly. Instead, the M48 Telescope Mount attaches to the tripod head, and the M65 Battery Commander's Telescope mounts onto the M48.
The observer then used the complete assembly to observe targets and measure horizontal direction (azimuth) and vertical angle (angle of site) during artillery operations.
This listing is for the Tripod M17 only. The M48 Telescope Mount and M65 Battery Commander's Telescope are not included.
Key Features
- Official nomenclature: Tripod M17
- Drawing number: 6574387
- Later NSN: 5825-00-657-4387
- Parent instrument: M65 Battery Commander's Telescope
- Required intermediate mount: M48 Telescope Mount
- Construction: Steel tripod head with wooden telescoping legs
- Three adjustable wooden legs
- Pointed steel ground shoes
- Folding transport design
- Empty mounting socket present
- WWII design retained in postwar U.S. Army service
- Included: One Tripod M17
- Not included: M48 Telescope Mount, M65 Telescope, carrying case, or accessories
Why This Item Matters
Original M17 tripods are becoming increasingly difficult to find, especially when they retain their original wooden legs and military hardware.
Unlike the smaller Tripod M5 used with the Aiming Circle M1, the M17 was built specifically for the larger M65 Battery Commander's Telescope system.
The M17 represents an important piece of U.S. Army artillery observation equipment and is essential for accurately restoring an M65 observation set.
It is equally valuable for museum displays, educational exhibits, and collectors interested in forward-observer equipment used during and after World War II.
About This Item
The photographs show the tripod folded in its transport position.
The wooden telescoping legs, pointed steel shoes, and central mounting head remain present. The mounting socket is empty because the M48 Telescope Mount has been removed.
The original retaining straps show deterioration from age and storage. The tripod may also exhibit finish wear, scratches, oxidation, weathering, dents, and other signs of military use and long-term storage.
The visible identification does not establish the manufacturing date of this individual tripod.
This listing is for the Tripod M17 only. The M48 Telescope Mount, M65 Battery Commander's Telescope, and all other optical equipment are not included.
Ideal For
- M65 Battery Commander's Telescope restorations
- U.S. Army artillery restoration projects
- World War II artillery collections
- Cold War artillery collections
- Forward observer displays
- Military museums
- Fire-control instrument collections
- Historic surveying and observation equipment
- Educational and technical exhibits
- Military optics collections
Approx length 45", Approx width7", Approx height 7", Approx weight 20lbs.
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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