Description
U.S. Tripod M5 for Aiming Circle M1 Artillery Surveying Instrument
The U.S. Tripod M5 for Aiming Circle M1 Artillery Surveying Instrument is the folding support issued for the U.S. Army Aiming Circle M1. The instrument itself is not included.
Historical Significance
The Aiming Circle M1 was a U.S. artillery surveying and fire-control instrument used to measure azimuth and site angles. Its readings helped artillery crews establish direction and relate firing positions to surveyed reference points.
War Department TM 9-1530, dated August 19, 1941, illustrates the Tripod M5 with the Aiming Circle M1. The tripod provided the stable, adjustable support needed to position the optical instrument for field measurements.
Aiming Circle Tripod
Although its three-legged form can resemble other military supports, this item is the Tripod M5 for the Aiming Circle M1. Its telescoping legs, center support, mounting spindle, and cast model marking match the tripod shown in the wartime aiming-circle manual.
What This Item Is and Does
The Tripod M5 served as the portable field stand for the Aiming Circle M1. Its three telescoping legs spread to form a stable base, while the center support and upper spindle carried the surveying instrument.
The legs fold together for transport. Pointed feet helped seat the tripod on field surfaces, and the telescoping sections allowed the stand to be adjusted for placement.
Key Features
- Cast model marking: TRIPOD M5
- Documented application: Aiming Circle M1
- Three folding telescoping legs
- Center support and upper mounting spindle
- Pointed field feet
- Hinge stamp consistent with drawing number A43948
- Illustrated in TM 9-1530, Figures 6 and 7
- Aiming Circle M1 instrument is not included
Why This Item Matters
The Tripod M5 is a recognizable part of the U.S. Army’s early World War II artillery surveying equipment. It shows how optical fire-control instruments were supported and positioned in the field.
Its visible model marking and documented construction make it useful for artillery displays, aiming-circle restoration reference, museum interpretation, and collections focused on military surveying equipment.
About This Item
The offered item is the folded Tripod M5 only. The Aiming Circle M1 optical instrument is missing and is not included.
Visible condition includes worn green finish, scratches, paint loss, discoloration, and areas of surface oxidation. The cast TRIPOD M5 marking and hinge stamp remain visible.
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 documented artillery surveying tripod is well suited for:
- U.S. military artillery collections
- World War II fire-control equipment displays
- Aiming Circle M1 restoration-reference projects
- Military surveying and optical-instrument collections
- Museums, educational exhibits, and period field displays
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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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