Description
World War II U.S. Army M61 Elbow Telescope for 105mm Howitzer M3 Carriages M3/M3A1, Eastman Kodak, 1943
The U.S. Army M61 Elbow Telescope, marked No. 1836, is an original World War II fire-control optic used with the Range Quadrant M8 on the 105mm Howitzer M3 Carriages M3 and M3A1.
The identification plate is marked TELESCOPE, ELBOW, M61, E.K. CO., F.J.A., and 1943. It also lists 3X power and a 13° 20′ field of view.
Historical Significance
The 105mm Howitzer M3 was developed to provide a compact artillery weapon that was easier to transport by air than the standard 105mm M2A1 howitzer. It used a shortened version of the M2/M2A1 howitzer tube on a lightweight carriage based on the 75mm Pack Howitzer design.
The Army standardized the M3 howitzer system in March 1943. As part of that program, the earlier M5 elbow telescope was modified and standardized as the M61.
This telescope was also manufactured in 1943, placing it within the first year of the standardized M61 and M3 howitzer system. The M3 became closely associated with airborne and other light artillery units during World War II.
The E.K. Co. marking identifies Eastman Kodak Company. Although best known for cameras and film, Eastman Kodak also manufactured precision military optics during World War II.
What This Item Is and Does
The M61 attached to the Range Quadrant M8 on the right side of the howitzer carriage. It provided the crew with a magnified view while the weapon was being laid in elevation.
During direct-fire aiming, the telescope helped the assistant gunner observe the target and align the howitzer at the required elevation. Its elbow-shaped optical path placed the eyepiece in a more convenient viewing position beside the carriage.
The M61 was one part of the complete M3 sighting system. It is not a range quadrant, panoramic telescope, telescope mount, or complete fire-control system.
Key Features
- Official nomenclature: Telescope, Elbow, M61
- Instrument number: 836
- Manufacturer marking: E.K. Co.
- Manufacturer: Eastman Kodak Company
- Inspection marking: F.J.A.
- Production year: 1943
- Magnification: 3X
- Field of view: 13° 20′
- Associated instrument: Range Quadrant M8
- Weapon application: 105mm Howitzer M3
- Carriage application: 105mm Howitzer Carriages M3 and M3A1
- Army supply reference: SNL F-169
- Manual reference: TM 9-1326
- Included: One M61 elbow telescope
Why This Item Matters
Original sighting equipment is often separated from the artillery system it was built for. This example retains its model, manufacturer, inspection, production-year, magnification, field-of-view, and instrument-number markings.
Its 1943 date gives it added historical value because it was manufactured during the same year the M61 and 105mm M3 howitzer system were standardized.
The Eastman Kodak marking also adds industrial-history interest. This telescope shows how American manufacturers adapted precision optical production to support wartime artillery and fire-control needs.
About This Item
The plate is marked:
- TELESCOPE, ELBOW, M61
- NO. 836
- F.J.A.
- E.K. CO.
- 1943
- POWER 3X
- FIELD OF VIEW 13° 20′
The photographed telescope shows chipped and flaking finish, scratches, surface wear, oxidation, dirt, and other signs of age, military service, and long-term storage.
The optical clarity, reticle condition, focus adjustment, internal completeness, seals, and alignment have not been tested or verified. This item is sold as a collectible and restoration component.
This listing is for the M61 elbow telescope only. The Range Quadrant M8, mounting hardware, instrument light, carriage, howitzer, and other sighting equipment are not included.
Ideal For
- 105mm Howitzer M3 restoration projects
- M3 and M3A1 carriage restorations
- World War II airborne-artillery displays
- U.S. Army fire-control collections
- Eastman Kodak military-optics collections
- Military museums
- Artillery sighting-equipment displays
- World War II field-artillery collections
- Technical-reference collections
- Educational and historical exhibits
Approx length 6", Approx width 4", Approx height 3", Approx weight 1.5 lbs.
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.
Please visit our page about order lead times here: Order Lead Times