This Tripod, Type “A”, identified by Part Number 5800400, is a specialized military support tripod offered in very good condition. This is the last one available, making it a strong opportunity for collectors, restorers, display builders, and military surplus buyers looking for an original part-numbered tripod rather than a generic replacement.

The Type “A” Tripod is best understood as a field support platform for compatible military optical, azimuth, observation, and sighting instruments. U.S. Ordnance documentation for the Azimuth Instruments M1910 and M1910A1 identifies the tripod, Type A as one of the principal parts of the instrument system, with the instrument mount resting on the tripod, Type A or a pier mount.

The Type “A” Tripod

The Tripod, Type “A” belongs to the broader family of military optical-instrument support equipment, field hardware, and precision equipment accessories. Unlike a general camera tripod or a weapon tripod, this style of tripod was used as a stable support base for compatible military instruments that required leveling, orientation, and steady positioning in the field.

In the referenced ordnance manual, the tripod, Type A is described as having a metal head and three telescoping wooden legs. The tripod head included male threads to engage the instrument leveling plate, while a circular level in the tripod head was used for rough leveling before the instrument was mounted. The legs were hinged to the tripod head and secured at the desired height by clamps, brackets, and wing nuts.

For collectors, this gives the tripod strong historical and technical appeal. It represents the support side of military observation and ordnance equipment, helping complete the broader picture of how precision instruments were positioned and used in field environments.

What This Tripod Was Used For

As a Type “A” military tripod, this item was used to provide a stable, adjustable platform for compatible azimuth or observation instruments. In practical terms, a tripod like this is especially relevant for:

supporting compatible military azimuth instruments
providing a stable field platform for optical observation equipment
rough leveling before mounting the instrument
positioning an instrument over a ground reference point
supporting horizontal-angle measurement and spotting equipment
completing or displaying military optical-instrument setups
restoration or reference use with compatible field-instrument equipment

The ordnance setup procedure for the Type A tripod describes extending and clamping the legs, positioning the tripod head at a convenient height, spacing the legs for stability, using a plumb bob to center over a ground point, leveling the head, and then mounting the instrument leveling plate to the tripod head.

Condition and Availability

This Tripod, Type “A” – P/N 5800400 is in very good condition, making it well suited for collection, display, restoration support, or reference use. Its condition gives it strong display value while still preserving the character expected from original military surplus support equipment.

This listing is also notable because it is the last one available. Original tripod assemblies and support components are often more difficult to source individually than complete instrument sets, especially when a collector or restorer is trying to match a specific part number.

About This Tripod

This listing is for one Tripod, Type “A”, identified as P/N 5800400.

It is especially well suited for:

military surplus equipment collections
U.S. military optical-instrument displays
azimuth instrument and sighting equipment reference collections
ordnance support equipment collections
museum and archival display use
restoration projects requiring original tripod support hardware
collectors of part-numbered military components
buyers seeking the last available P/N 5800400 Type “A” Tripod

This listing is for the tripod only unless otherwise stated. No azimuth instrument, telescope, mount, plumb bob, case, or additional accessories are included unless specifically shown or noted.

Why This Tripod Matters

Many military collectibles focus on weapons, vehicles, ammunition, uniforms, or manuals. This tripod represents a different but equally important category: the support hardware used with precision military instruments. Equipment like this helped provide the stable, leveled platform needed for observation, angle measurement, and field-instrument use.

For collectors, it is a clean and identifiable support component with a specific part number. For restorers, it may help complete a compatible military instrument setup. For museums and displays, it adds authenticity by showing the field hardware that supported technical and observation equipment in actual military use.

Because this example is in very good condition and is the last one available, it is a strong fit for anyone needing an original Type “A” tripod for a collection, restoration, or military equipment display.

Ideal For

This tripod is a strong fit for:

military surplus collectors
azimuth instrument and optical-equipment collectors
ordnance support equipment displays
field-instrument restoration projects
museum and archival display setups
collectors of part-numbered military hardware
buyers looking for the last available Tripod, Type “A,” P/N 5800400

Approx length 33", Approx width 7", Approx height 7", Approx weight 19lbs.

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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