Description
U.S. Army Technical Manual TM 9-1240-347-35P for M23 Telescope Mount, March 1970
Item Overview
This original U.S. Army technical manual is the direct-support, general-support, and depot-maintenance repair-parts reference for the M23 Telescope Mount. Issued as TM 9-1240-347-35P in March 1970, it helped maintenance and supply personnel identify and order components for this field-artillery sight mount. This listing is for the technical manual only. It does not include an M23 mount, telescope, howitzer, or other fire-control equipment.
Identification and Features
The “35P” suffix identifies this as a higher-level repair-parts and special-tools publication. It focuses on illustrated parts identification and supply information rather than complete operating or repair procedures.
- Manual number: TM 9-1240-347-35P
- Publication date: March 1970
- Subject: M23 Telescope Mount
- Official item name: Mount, Telescope
- Part number: 7578441
- Federal Stock Number: 1240-757-8441
- Manual type: Repair parts and special tools list
- Maintenance levels: Direct support, general support, and depot maintenance
- Supported telescope: M16A1D Elbow Telescope
- Associated equipment: M4A1 Range Fire-Control Quadrant
- Primary weapon application: M101/M101A1 105mm Light Towed Howitzer
- Primary sighting role: Direct fire
- Issuing authority: Headquarters, Department of the Army
- Country of origin: United States
- Item included: Technical manual only
Manual Coverage
This publication supports parts identification, ordering, and higher-level maintenance of the M23 mount. Manuals of this type normally contain exploded illustrations, item numbers, official part names, stock and manufacturer numbers, quantities, supply codes, maintenance codes, and special-tool information. It is useful for matching loose components to their correct locations in the mount assembly.
How the M23 Mount Worked
The M23 held and supported the M16A1D Elbow Telescope for direct-fire aiming. The mount provided controlled movement in elevation and deflection and worked with the M4A1 Range Fire-Control Quadrant. The M16A1D was a fixed-focus, three-power telescope with a range-graduated reticle. Together, the mount and telescope allowed the gunner to place the weapon’s line of sight on a visible target.
Weapon-System Application
The M23 was part of the fire-control system used on the M101 and M101A1 105mm Light Towed Howitzers. It supported direct fire against targets visible from the gun position. The separate M21A1 mount held the M12A7-series panoramic telescope for indirect fire, so the M23 should not be confused with the howitzer’s panoramic-telescope mount.
Historical Background
The M101A1 developed from the M2A1 105mm howitzer used by American forces during World War II. The weapon continued serving through the Korean War and was redesignated M101A1 during the early 1960s. Its optical fire-control system allowed crews to perform both indirect-fire missions and direct-fire engagements. The M23 provided the stable and adjustable connection needed between the howitzer and its M16A1D direct-fire telescope.
History of Use
M101-series howitzers served with the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, National Guard, and many allied countries. The M101A1 was widely used during the Vietnam War, where its mobility and dependable design made it well suited for firebases and remote artillery positions. Although newer 105mm howitzers later replaced it in much of U.S. service, the M101A1 remained in use with allied forces for decades. This March 1970 manual reflects the Army’s continued support of its established direct-fire sighting equipment during the Vietnam era.
Condition
Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item. This listing is for one TM 9-1240-347-35P technical manual only; the M23 mount, M16A1D telescope, M4A1 quadrant, M101-series howitzer, and other equipment are not included.
Ideal For
This specialized publication is useful for collectors, restorers, museums, and researchers studying U.S. field-artillery sights and the M101-series 105mm howitzer.
- U.S. Army technical-manual collections
- M23 telescope-mount restoration
- M16A1D elbow-telescope research
- M101 and M101A1 howitzer displays
- 105mm direct-fire sight collections
- Vietnam War artillery exhibits
- Military fire-control equipment research
- Museum and archival collections
Approx length 8", Approx width 11", Approx height .15", 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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