Description
U.S. Army Telescope and Mount Cover M410 for 75mm Pack Howitzer M1A1, Drawing D82821
Item Overview
This U.S. Army Telescope and Mount Cover M410 was made to protect the sighting equipment fitted to the 75mm Pack Howitzer M1A1 on Carriage M8. The shaped fabric cover fit over the sight unit installed on the left side of the howitzer’s cradle. It was secured with lacing and guarded the exposed telescope, mount, and related fittings against dust, moisture, and field debris when the sight was not being used. This is an on-gun protective cover rather than a telescope carrying case or packing bag.
Identification and Features
Army manual TM 9-319 identifies this accessory as the Telescope and Mount Cover M410 and illustrates it in Figure 213. The drawing number D82821 provides an additional identification reference. Its shaped construction allowed the cover to fit over either of the two documented sight unit arrangements used on the howitzer while the equipment remained attached to the cradle.
- Official designation: Telescope and Mount Cover M410
- Drawing number: D82821
- Parent weapon: 75mm Pack Howitzer M1A1
- Carriage: M8
- Installation point: Left side of the cradle
- Compatible sight units: M28A1 and M29A1
- Attachment method: Laced protective cover
- Purpose: Protection from dust, moisture, and debris
Historical Background
The M410 belonged to the standardized sighting equipment issued with the 75mm Pack Howitzer M1A1 during and after World War II. Precision optical instruments had to remain clean and correctly aligned for accurate fire, yet the howitzer often operated in dusty, wet, or muddy field conditions. The Army therefore supplied a fitted cover that could remain with the weapon and be placed over the complete sight unit between firing missions. The November 1948 edition of TM 9-319 continued to list and illustrate the M410 as part of the howitzer’s authorized equipment.
Function and Installation
The cover was placed over the installed telescope and mount whenever the sight unit was not in use. Its lower edge was drawn around the equipment and secured with lacing, allowing it to protect the exposed optical and mechanical parts without removing them from the howitzer. Before aiming or firing, the crew removed the cover to uncover the telescope, adjustment controls, levels, and instrument light. This arrangement reduced unnecessary handling of the sight and kept the equipment ready for the next firing mission.
Documented Sight unit Applications
The M410 covered either the Sight unit M28A1 or the Sight unit M29A1. The M28A1 arrangement combined the Panoramic Telescope M1, Telescope Mount M3A1, and Instrument Light M13. The M29A1 arrangement used the Elbow Telescope M62, Adapter M9, Telescope Mount M3A1, and Instrument Light M46. These were alternative sighting arrangements, and the shaped M410 cover was designed to protect the sight unit installed on the weapon.
Sighting Equipment Background
Both sight unit arrangements supported direct and indirect fire. During direct fire, the gunner used the Panoramic Telescope M1 or Elbow Telescope M62 to follow a visible target in direction and elevation. During indirect fire, the telescope was aimed at an established reference point while the Telescope Mount M3A1 helped set the required elevation. Protecting these instruments helped preserve clear optics, readable scales, smooth controls, and the alignment needed for accurate laying of the howitzer.
75mm Pack Howitzer M1A1 and Carriage M8
The 75mm Pack Howitzer was developed as a light artillery weapon that could support troops in places where heavier field guns were difficult to move. The weapon could be separated into manageable loads for pack transport and could also be towed on its M8 carriage. Its compact size made it especially useful to airborne, mountain, and other light artillery formations. The sight bracket on the left side of the cradle carried the fire-control instruments protected by the M410 cover.
History of Use
During World War II, the M1A1 howitzer and M8 carriage served with American airborne and mountain artillery units and in operations across rough or restricted terrain. The weapon could accompany troops by road, pack transport, aircraft, or glider and then provide close artillery support after deployment. Crews used protective equipment such as the M410 during movement, storage, and pauses between missions. The cover helped keep the sightunit protected while leaving it mounted and available for rapid preparation of the weapon.
Condition
This listing includes the M410 telescope and mount cover only. The telescope, telescope mount, adapter, instrument light, howitzer, and carriage are not included. Review the inventory photographs for the condition of the fabric, identification markings, stitching, eyelets, edges, and lacing. Military textile equipment of this age may show fading, creasing, storage marks, surface soiling, and wear around attachment points. Included lacing and fittings are limited to what is shown in the photographs.
Ideal For
This M410 cover is appropriate for a 75mm Pack Howitzer M1A1 restoration, a display of M28A1 or M29A1 sighting equipment, or a collection focused on U.S. Army artillery accessories. Its documented drawing number and specific on-gun function also make it useful for identifying incomplete sighting-equipment sets.
- 75mm Pack Howitzer restorations
- Airborne and mountain artillery collections
- World War II field-equipment displays
- Military optics and sighting-equipment collections
- Museum and educational exhibits
Approx length 12", Approx width 12", Approx height 1", Approx weight 0.5lbs.
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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