Japanese 12cm Type 3 No. 27 telescope in wooden case

Japanese naval 12 cm Type 3 No. 27 telescope in wooden box. Marked on the telescope is '20 X 120mm 3º NIKKO No 27' and 'L.R.W. 6 1359'. The telescope has a brass frame and front lens cover. The rear eyepiece is at a 45 degree angle. In front of it is a prismatic aiming device with a hinged cover that views a V notch and blade sights. At right angles on the left is an adjustment wheel, and to the right is an electrical connection with a screw on cover. The 'L' shaped wooden box has a hinged lid with two copper alloy latch fastenings and handles at the sides. Inside are moulded supports for the telescope and compartments for spare parts, most of which are missing except for a lens filter and four rubber eyepieces. A blue label with Japanese inscriptions, adhered to the inside of the lid, gives a list of parts originally included in the box. Two plaques with Japanese inscriptions are attached to the outside of the box and have been translated to read '12 cm Telescope Type 3 No. 27 Naval Technical Research Dept Plan Made by Japan Optical Engineering Company P L January 1933' and 'Uses screws specified by Ministry of Manufacturing and Industry'.

Acquired by the Long Range Weapons Establishment, Salisbury, South Australia (now Defence Science and Technology Organisation) between 1947 to 1948 from Royal Naval Disposals in Sydney or Brisbane. The telescope formed part of the plant equipment that was used for tracking purposes at the Woomera Range during the Anglo-Australian Joint Project (1946-1980).