Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very good original early WWII Soviet “Sniper’s” TR 4× reconnaissance periscope, or Трубка разведчика (“scout’s tube”), manufactured by the Zagorsk Optical-Mechanical Plant and dated 1940. It retains the distinctive features of the early TR pattern, including the rotating objective cover, adjustable eyepiece assembly, original rubber eyecup, and early hard carrying case with web shoulder strap. The optics continue to provide a usable image, although the internal lenses would benefit from cleaning.

The TR was designed to allow a soldier to observe terrain and enemy positions while remaining behind cover. Its system of prisms and lenses provided 4× magnification, while an internal range-finding reticle allowed the observer to estimate distances and angular measurements. Although these instruments are often called TR-4 periscopes by collectors, specialist research indicates that the actual designation was simply TR, with “4×” referring to its magnification rather than forming part of the model number. Soviet production also included the TR-1 and later TR-8 designs.

The most well known and most common type of periscopes is the TR periscope like this one. It is often called the TR-4 periscope, however, the correct model name is "TR", 4x is the size of magnification. What is not common is the very rare early war hard carrier.

Soviet TR periscopes were produced by 2 factories - the factory in Zagorsk (ZOMZ factory, evacuated in 1941) and factory in Kharkov (FED factory, also evacuated in 1941). The back of the eyepiece is marked with the large Soviet Union crossed sickle and hammer surrounded by:

TP 4x
17866 1940r

Below this is the company logo of the Zagorsk Optical and Mechanical Plant (ZOMZ=ЗОМЗ), in Zagorsk, Russia. The factory has manufactured a wide spectrum of the optical mechanical and optical electronic devices.

There are two types of designs - "early" and "late". Early periscopes (1938-1940) had the possibility to cover the top prism (objective) with a rotating tube when the periscope was not used. This feature was eliminated in 1940. Early periscopes like this one had a different construction of the eyepiece, it had an adjustable height and a rubber eye cup, while later models had a bakelite eye cup. Early models were issued with hardshell cases, later models with softshell holsters similar to this one. This is the earlier design.

Still providing a good image, the lens likely needs a good internal clean, however it is still usable. The rubber eye cup is still present, and in great shape, and the focus diopter works correctly. The periscope measures about 22 ½ inches in overall length.

The carry case is still quite solid with the only real issue being fading and isolated areas of loose stitching. The paint is in great shape. The carry strap is in good condition and inside of a small side pocket is a small cloth wrapped in paper, rare to see.

This is a particularly coherent early TR set because the 1940 production date, Zagorsk markings, serial number 17866, rotating objective cover, adjustable eyepiece, surviving rubber eyecup, and hard carrying case all correspond with the documented early-production configuration. The case fading, and isolated loose stitching are the principal condition considerations, while the functional diopter adjustment, intact eyecup, web sling, and surviving case accessory leave the set substantially complete.