1917 Dated British Adams No.9 Mk11 Trench periscope

A 1917 dated British Periscope No 9 Mk II used as a trench observation device and complete with its adjustable metal fixing stake and spare mirror.

Issued to both British and Australian troops in 1917 it is made from wood, rectangular in shape and constructed using nails and metal straps. There are two glass mirrors placed at 45 degrees inside the Periscope, the wooden exterior painted olive drab, the war department arrow later painted out.

A hinge, with a latch at the front allow the periscope to be folded down when not in use.

Above the observation mirror is a paper maker's label attached to a shutter with the following text 'PERISCOPE No. 9 MK II / (22 1/2 inches between Mirrors) / ADAMS & CO / 1917' and user instructions : When observing with a Binocular, rest it on / the Glass Screen. When observing without / a Binocular, lower the shutter until the eyes / are protected by it and the Glass Screen”.

Overall condition is fair to good but rather dusty. There are notable woodworm holes and rusting to the metal fittings.