Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a wonderful example of a Soviet “Sniper’s” periscope with the original canvas carrier with web sling. The TR periscope (Трубка разведчика, "scouts tube") is an optical periscope device which allows for the observation of objects from a sheltered position. The use of prisms and lenses in its construction allowed for a relatively good image for a device of this type, the presence of a range-finding graticule allowed it to be used to measure distances.
The first effort in the creation of this device was made by the Soviets in the 1920's. In 1927 the "scout's tube" was designed by the Bolshevik factory in Leningrad. In the early 1930's, according to sniper training manuals, a 1.5x trench periscope already existed. However, real mass production of TR periscopes (4x magnification) started in the late 1930's, the exact date is unknown.
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.
The production period for this model started at the end of the 1930′s and lasted until the end of the 1940's. The earliest observed example is dated 1938, the latest was 1948. Copies of this model were manufactured in Poland during the 1950's though this one does appear to be a period example.
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). While there is no factory marking visible, the Zagorsk Factory utilized linear knurling on the eyepiece like this example.
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 had a different construction of the eyepiece, it had an adjustable height and a rubber eye cup, while later models like this one had a bakelite eye cup. Early models were issued with hardshell cases, later models with softshell holsters similar to this one.
Still providing a good image, lens needing a good internal clean however but still usable. The bakelite eye cup is still present, and in great shape, and the focus diopter works correctly. The periscope measures about 23 inches in overall length.
The carry case is still quite solid with the only real issue being fading and isolated areas of loose stitching.
A lovely example ready for further research and display.
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