Description
U.S. Army M45 Carrying Case for M65 Battery Commander’s Telescope Equipment, P/N 6583104, NSN 6650-00-658-3104
The U.S. Army Carrying Case M45, part number 6583104 and NSN 6650-00-658-3104, was part of the equipment set used with the M65 Battery Commander’s Telescope, an artillery observation instrument designed for forward observation and the measurement of horizontal and vertical angles.
The M45 was specifically intended to protect and transport the Tripod M10 and Telescope Adapter M14 used with one configuration of the M65 system. This example is incomplete but retains the fitted interior and some original components.
Historical Significance
The M65 Battery Commander’s Telescope was an important U.S. Army artillery observation instrument of the early Cold War period. Army Technical Manual TM 9-1580, published in 1953 and later updated, specifically covers the M65 along with its supporting equipment.
Despite the word “telescope” in its official Army nomenclature, the M65 used a periscopic optical arrangement. This allowed an observer to remain lower and more protected while looking over cover.
The instrument was used for observation and measuring angle of site and azimuth for artillery fire. These measurements helped artillery personnel identify targets, establish direction, and adjust fire.
The complete M65 equipment could be arranged in two ways. It could use Telescope Mount M48 directly on Tripod M17, or Mount M48 with Adapter M14 and Tripod M10. The M45 carrying case was provided for the M10 tripod and M14 adapter.
What This Item Is and Does
The M45 is a fitted military transport case designed to protect selected supporting components of the M65 Battery Commander’s Telescope system.
The case uses a hinged lid, heavy latches, a carrying handle, and shaped internal supports to keep its equipment from shifting during transportation and storage.
Modern catalog data identifies NSN 6650-00-658-3104 under the official Federal item name Case, Optical Instrument. Catalog specifications describe a hinged cover, trunk-style latches, folding handle, felt padding, and two internal compartments.
Key Features
- Official military designation: Carrying Case M45
- Federal item name: Case, Optical Instrument
- Part number: 6583104
- NSN: 6650-00-658-3104
- NIIN: 00-658-3104
- Associated equipment: M65 Battery Commander’s Telescope
- Primary documented contents: Tripod M10 and Adapter M14
- Related M65 equipment: Telescope Mount M48
- Related M65 equipment: Instrument Light M28
- Alternate M65 tripod: Tripod M17
- Hinged cover
- Trunk-style retaining latches
- Folding carrying handle
- Fitted/padded interior
- Military optical-equipment transport case
Why This Item Matters
Original fitted cases are often separated from military optical instruments after decades of storage, surplus sales, and museum transfers.
The M45 is particularly useful because it represents more than simple packaging. Its fitted interior was designed around specialized fire-control equipment and helped protect the precision components needed to set up the M65 in the field.
It is an excellent addition to an M65 restoration, artillery fire-control display, or collection of Cold War U.S. Army optical equipment.
About This Item
The exterior retains the original military stencil identifying it as CASE, CARRYING M45.
Several original components are missing. The M65 Battery Commander’s Telescope itself is not included. Other equipment required to complete the original M65 observation set may also be absent.
The case shows scratches, finish wear, staining, oxidation, worn padding, and other signs of military use and long-term storage. See the photographs for representative condition.
Ideal For
- M65 Battery Commander’s Telescope restorations
- U.S. Army artillery observation displays
- Cold War fire-control collections
- Tripod M10 and Adapter M14 storage
- Military optical-instrument collections
- Field-artillery museums
- Original military carrying-case collections
- Forward-observer displays
- Historic fire-direction exhibits
- Military equipment restoration projects
Approx length 14", Approx width 12", Approx height 7", Approx weight 12lbs.
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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