Russian Tank Sight

Original Soviet military tank commander’s optical observation instrument from the Cold War era. This heavy-duty binocular periscope is from the Soviet TPKU family of armored-vehicle observation devices, developed for use by tank commanders for battlefield observation, target acquisition, approximate range determination, target designation and fire correction.

The TPKU series represented an important component of Soviet armored fighting vehicle fire-control and observation equipment during the 1950s and subsequent Cold War period. The TPKU-2B is particularly associated with the Soviet T-54B and T-55 series and was also used in other Soviet armored vehicles. The 5× optical system allowed a commander to identify and observe targets at considerably greater distances than through the vehicle’s ordinary vision blocks. 

This example is an impressive, extremely heavy piece of original Soviet armored-vehicle equipment. It retains its binocular ocular assemblies, folding handles, upper periscopic viewing assembly, adjustment mechanisms, identification plate and much of its original textured Soviet military green finish.

The instrument shows genuine service/storage wear throughout, including scratches, finish loss, oxidation, age-related deterioration to the covered center section and general handling wear. The lenses remain installed and show age-related haze/dust. Mechanical and optical functionality has not been fully tested and the piece is therefore being offered as a collectible/display artifact.

An excellent centerpiece for a Cold War, Soviet armor, T-54/T-55, military optics or tank collection.

Condition: Good original used condition as photographed. Unrestored. Optics and adjustments untested.