What is it? British drift sight? Help needed

Fri Feb 06, 2009 3:38 pm

A gentleman sent me these photos of a device he has had for some time. He would like to know what it is.

It looks like a drift sight to me that is missing the base and/or recorder.

The serial number looks like classic Air Ministry to me with a 1940 date at the end.

Do you have any idea exactly what it might be? Inquiring minds want to know...

Fri Feb 06, 2009 7:54 pm

Looks like a RAF Tail drift sight to me?

Fri Feb 06, 2009 8:25 pm

G'day Taigh,
I've just asked over on Flypast forum for you. See: http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showth ... ?p=1361545

Hope that helps!

BTW, did you get my e-mail?

Fri Feb 06, 2009 9:46 pm

Thanks Peter,

I had searched for drift sight without any success. Your identification of it as a tail drift sight directed me to photos for confirmation.

Here is one that evidently sold at an auction:

here is the auction site that has the photos:

http://www.ewolfs.com/past_auctions/mar_art01/289.html

Thanks again for the help guys.

James, I am sorry that I did not receive your e-mail. I will check tomorrow to see if it got caught in the spam filter for some reason. Thanks for posting it on the Flypast forum too.

Sat Feb 07, 2009 6:19 am

it's an aircraft periscope. i had 1 for years. mine was 1939 dated. air ministry marked, nomenclature as follows.....ref#6b /110. the knobs are to pivot the lens for focus. mine came from a wellington bomber. used on a number of multi engined planes. i won it through a manion's auction almost 20 years ago. i sold it about 8 years ago for $160.00. a nice piece.