WWII German Trench Periscope with Marked Box

Updated August 27, 2026

Lot number	1010443
Category	Firearms & Militaria
Auction	The Bagale Collection, Session VI – Optics & Militaria
Date	September 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM MDT
Auction house	345 Auction
Location	Loveland, Colorado

Dating to World War II, this German military trench periscope optic (Panzerspaltfernrohr / Sehrohr) was produced by Emil Busch A.-G. in Rathenow under manufacturer ordnance code "rtn". Stamped rear housing markings include manufacturer code "rtn", serial number "403923", and cold-climate lubricant indicator mark "?". Finished in factory Dunkelgelb tan paint, it includes detachable protective metal objective/eyepiece hoods and comes housed in an unfinished wooden transit crate handwritten with GI mail markings reading "CPL. S. J. LITTLE - 3145678, 12TH F.A. OBSN. BN. BTRY 'B', A.P.O. #403 % P.M. N.Y. N.Y." alongside "MRS. SAMUEL J. LITTLE, 74 LAUREL ST., MANCHESTER, CONN. U.S.A." The optic measures 13 inches high by 5 inches wide by 2 inches deep (33.0 cm H x 12.7 cm W x 5.1 cm D). The wooden case measures 7.5 inches high by 20 inches wide by 6.25 inches deep (19.1 cm H x 50.8 cm W x 15.9 cm D). Constructed of sheet metal housing with dual objective ports, a lower mounting bracket clamp, and a dual eyepiece assembly, the unit maintains smooth horizontal interpupillary distance adjustment, while individual diopter controls operate stiffly. Optical condition is hazy throughout both channels, creating a hazy and blurry viewing image. All paint finishes remain original factory issue, displaying light age wear, scuffs, and minor edge paint loss. The custom wooden transit box features webbing end handles and clear handwritten military provenance.

WWII German Trench Periscope with Marked Box

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