A superb display and conversation piece, this World War 2 era Aircraft Identification Telescope would originally have formed a part of Britain's World War 2 coastal defences, helping to protect our skies from the German Luftwaffe.  These intriguing instruments were operated by the Royal Observer Corps and Woman’s ATS units and were used to track the height and bearing of enemy aircraft to enable the accurate firing of anti-aircraft guns.  This particular example comes from the workshops of Cooke, Troughton and Simms of York and is inscribed 'Telescope Identification A.A. Mark III’ , also bearing the makers name, date of manufacture (1942), the British Military broad arrow (‘Crow’s Foot’) mark and serial number 3992.  It has controls for orientation and elevation, retains its original green military paint and (unusually) is presented complete with its original tripod. It is a substantial and heavily-engineered piece and a great relic of British military history. The instrument itself weighs in at a hefty 17.3kg (38lbs) and measures 82cm in width and 25cm high. When affixed to the tripod stand, it is 5ft high.

Condition: Cosmetically excellent, its original paint finish is in good condition with just the right amount of age-related wear. Mechanically, the horizontal control works correctly, the elevation adjustment requires a little encouragement, though the sight holds its angle once set. Optically, both sights focus correctly giving a crisp image, but are slightly hazy and would benefit from a careful strip down and clean if the instrument is to be used, other than just as a display piece. The tripod is structurally sound and retains its original paint with some age related scuffs and scratches.