Boxed Mine Detector, No 4A

No 4A Mine Detector, in original wooden box of issue. Box is finished in an olive drab and is stencilled on the lid 'DETECTOR MINE 4A'. One side is marked in black paint 'Z5/ZA-27991/1' and S/1/67 QTY - 1'. There are also numbers and dates on the sides in texta, associated with the disposal of the object. The box is equipped with substantial metal latches and hinges, with metal reinforcements to each corner. There is a green dyed rope handle attached to each side. The interior of the box is constructed to fit the detector parts and includes pads to prevent damage. The detector is supplied in a number of separate main components, and includes a specialised padded webbing pack (actually a Signals Satchel No 6) for carrying the power supply and linkages, set of rubber and webbing headphones, a black metal telescopic handle, and a switch unit. The inside of the pack is marked 'M.E.Co ^25' and 'ZA24242'. The remainder of the box carries the marker ruler, a black bakelite test unit marked 'CT Units, Test, Search coil alignments No 1 ZA24870 Serial No 32128', three spare valves (not present), an impregnated cleaning rag in a storage tin and a replacement oscillator. A brass plate on the power unit states: 'Detenators Mine No 4 ZA24238 Serial number 25442 C.T.' ; this number also appears in white paint on the webbing pack. The switch unit features the words 'REGEN, A' and settings for 'Off', 'Normal' and 'Pave'. There is no log or instruction book present.

The history of this item is unknown. This style of Mine detector was used by the Australian Army from 1944 onwards.