Vintage US Military T-42 M25 Periscope Sight Tank Cupola Optic - M48A1 Patton* Condition: Used (Optical glass is visible, internal reticle is intact)
* Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
* Nomenclature: Sight, Periscope, T-42 (M25)
* Military Casting Part Number: 8567501 (Stamped on housing)
* Serial Number: 1671 (Stamped directly on the factory metal data đź“ť Item Description
AUTHENTIC U.S. MILITARY T-42 (M25) COLD WAR TANK PERISCOPE SIGHT
Up for sale is an authentic, beautifully preserved U.S. Military T-42 / M25 Periscope Sight. This rare piece of armor fire-control history was engineered for 1950s Cold War-era tracked armor, specifically fitting the early-production M1 commander\'s cupolas found on the M48A1 Patton Main Battle Tank. It was used by the tank commander to stay completely protected behind heavy armor plate while tracking targets and adjusting fire on the cupola\'s enclosed .50 Caliber M2 Heavy Machine Gun.
PROVENANCE & HISTORY:
This unit was from APEX Gun Parts many years ago. Because APEX and other military surplus giants completely dried up their supply of these a decade ago, finding a surviving, functional unit on the open market is incredibly difficult.
OPTICAL CONDITION & SIGHT PICTURE:* Intact Ballistic Reticle: This unit features the original factory-etched ballistic reticle pattern inside the glass lens. Looking through the optic, the faint vertical stack of horizontal range/stadia markings is fully intact.
MECHANICAL & STRUCTURAL CONDITION:* Note on Completeness: The unit is missing the soft rubber eyecup shroud on the eyepiece barrel.COSMETIC CONDITION:
Features an authentic \"surplus crate\" military patina. The housing retains its original military cream-white and olive-drab green finishes. It shows expected scuffs, light surface oxidation, and paint chipping along the edges from decades of transit and storage—perfect for an authentic, period-correct vehicle dashboard restoration.
VERIFIED PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS:* Total Length: 14.5 inches (top of armored objective window to base casting)
* Total Width/Depth: 7.0 inches (across the lower base profile to the tip of the metal eyepiece assembly)
* Body Thickness: 4.5 inches (at the mounting casting block)
* Total Weight: 7 lbs, 14.5 oz (Heavier, dense 1950s build spec)Ideal for: Private armored vehicle restorers looking to complete an M48A1 Patton tank project, military museum curators, or serious collectors of vintage military combat optics.Due to ITAR restrictions NO INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING. US only
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