Item Description
Original Item: Only One available. This is a complete World War Two issue M-227 signal lamp kit, without power source. This is a battery powered signaling lamp as issued to Airborne units for communication ground to ground, or ground to air. This model was originally created for USAAF use, to signal from aircraft to aircraft in flight or on the ground, and from ground personnel on an airfield to aircraft, either on the ground or aloft. They were used in lieu of radio or to supplement radio traffic. They had a trigger to facilitate Morse code or pre-arranged codes. Most frequently, Troop Carriers used them to direct marshaling, power-up, and "go" signals. Under radio silence, planes used them to signal between each other with simple messages, i.e. "open up formation", "nearing IP -- 5 minutes". Photo documentation also shows them used at the D-Day landing in Normandy by the Navy's 2nd Beach Battalion signalmen on Utah Beach.
We believe this kit to be complete besides missing the technical manual, spare filters, and spare bulbs. This set includes the following items:
-Signal Lamp M-227: In great shape with no signs of damage.
-Carrying Case for Signal Lamp M-227 & Accessories: The bag is labeled BG-131 on the front.
-M-341 Shoulder Stock: The shoulder stock slides over top of the pistol grip on the M-227. It slides into a slot next to the other miscellaneous equipment.
-J-51 Hand Key: This uniquely configured scissors-like key was used with an M-227 signal lamp. The electrical connections are the two push terminals on the right. It came with a long cable so that the operator could stand far away from the signal light to avoid being the target. Used like a telegraph “clicker” for morse code.
-LG-21 Tripod: Used to give the M-227 a stable “firing” position and has spikes on the bottom for securing into the ground or soft surfaces. Fully functional.
-M-172 Dark Adaptation Goggles: Dark adaptor goggles, also called red adaptation goggles, are mainly used in the field of meteorology and astronomy for adapting the eyes to the dark prior to an observation at night. They also aid with the identification of clouds during bright sunshine or glare from snow. The goggles are made with dark red-tinted lenses. Such goggles or glasses are often used by pilots and weather observers to preserve their natural night vision. The red lens filter on the M-227 is used to decrease the range transmission and for greater secrecy. When the signal lamp is operated with the red filter in place, it is very difficult to detect the lamp with the naked eye, except while in the immediate vicinity of the lamp. In order to read the signals with the red filter on the signal lamp, it is necessary to wear the goggles.
-CB-701 Cord: The long cord is used to connect the J-51 Hand Key to the terminals on the bottom of the M-227. This is to interrupt the current to give the operator full control of the signal lamp with the Hand Key.
This is a lovely piece of seldom seen equipment during WWII. It may not look like it, but the M-227 Signal Lamp was vital for mission success during the Normandy Invasion and various Airborne Operations.
This would be a wonderful addition to your WWII collections and comes readily and very easily able to be displayed!
- This product is available for international shipping.
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