WAR DEPARTMENT TECHNICAL MANUAL
ORDNANCE MAINTENANCE
OBSERVATION
TELESCOPES
M48 AND M49
WAR DEPARTMENT 8 JUNE 1944
TM 9-1556
CONTENTS
SECTION Paragraphs Page
I. Introduction 1-3 1-3
I I . Description 4-12 3-8
III. Basic inspection 13-16 8-9
I V . General maintenance 17-22 9-11
V. Disassembly and assembly 23-31 11-28
VI. References 32-34 29
INDEX 30-31
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Section I
INTRODUCTION
SCOPE.
1.
a. This manual is published for the information and guidance o f
ordnance personnel. It contains detailed instructions for inspection,
d i s a s s e m b l y , reassembly, maintenance, and repair of the Observation
T e l e s c o p e s M48 and M49. These instructions are supplementary to
those in Field and Technical Manuals prepared for this using arms.
Additional descriptive matter and illustrations are included to aid
in providing a more complete working knowledge of the materiel.
2.
CHARACTERISTICS.
a.
The telescopes discussed herein are used for observaaton by
the cavalry and infantry. Their chief purpose is to assist in observing
the effectiveness of artillery fire.
b. Both Telescopes M48 and M49 are basically the same, Each
is an erect-image instrument, the image being erected by means of
two porro prisms and magnified by the lenses in the eyepiece Both
telescopes are the "prism-offset'" type and are tubular in shape. The
arrangement of the optical elements is the same in both Instruments.
Figure 1-Observation Telescope M48
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ORDNANCE MAINTENANCE-OBSERVATION TELESCOPES M48 AND M49
Figure 2 -Observation Telescope M49
Figure 3 -Observation Telescope M48 and Tripod M14
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DESCRIPTION
3. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MODELS.
a. Despite their similarity in many respects, there are some differences between these models,
as shown by the following comparative specifications:
M48 M49
Power 19.6x 20x
Field of view 2°8' 2°12’
Diameter of exit pupil 0.100 i n . 0.108 in
E. F. L. of objective 13.004 i n . 14.211 i n .
E. F. L. of eyepiece 0.662 i n . 0.716 i n .
Length 14½ in. approx. 13½ i n . approx.
Figure 4-Observation Telescope M49 and Tripod M15
Section II
DESCRIPTION
4. OBSERVATION TELESCOPE M48.
a. Observation Telescope M48 (fig. 1) is a 19.6-power telescope having a field of view
of 2 degrees 8 minutes a n d an exit pupil diameter of 0.100 inch. The image is erected
by a porro prism system. The over-all length of the telescope with the sunshade closed
is approximately 13½ inches.
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ORDNANCE MAINTENANCE-OBSERVATION TELESCOPES M48 AND M49
b. The major units of Observation Telescope M48 are the objective assembly, body
tube, prism housing assembly, and focusing mechanism w i t h eyepiece assembly.
c. The front of the telescope has a sliding sunshade which can be extended
approximately 2 inches as the need requires.
d. The telescope is furnished with an objective cover and eyepiece cap.
These are screwed into place to protect the lenses when the telescope is not in use.
e. The telescope is focused by pushing or pulling the eyepiece inor out until an
approximate focus is reached, and t h e n turning the k n u r l e d focusing sleeve
to obtain exact focus. This arrangement is made possible by a spring-loaded ball
which either rides over the threads of the focusing n u t , when the eyepiece is pushed
or pulled, or engages the threads when the eyepiece is turned.
5. OBSERVATION TELESCOPE M49.
a. Observation Telescope M49 (fig. 2) is a 20-power telescope having a field of
view of 2 degrees 12 minutes and an exit pupil diameter of 0.108 inch. The image
is erected by a porro prism system. The over-all length of the telescope is
approximately 14½ inches.
b. The major units of Observation Telescope M49 are the objective assembly,
t h e body tube, t h e prism housing assembly, and the focusing mechanism w i t h
eyepiece assembly.
c. Observation Telescope M49 does not have an adjustable sunshade. Instead,
the front end of the body tube extends approximately three-quarters of an inch
beyond the objective, thereby providing a permanent sunshade.
d. The telescope is furnished with an objective cover and an eyepiece cap.
These are screwed into place to protect the lenses when the telescope is not in use.
e. The telescope is focused by turning t h e k n u r l e d focusing sleeve.
6. ACCESSORIES.
a. Accessories for Observation Telescopes M48 and M49 include a carrying
case for each telescope, a tripod for each telescope, and a carrying case for
each tripod. These accessories are described in the paragraphs immediately
following in this section.
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DESCRIPTION
Figure 5-Carrying Case M26 for Observation Telescope M48
and Carrying Case M31 for Tripod M14
7. CARRYING CASE M26 (FOR TELESCOPE M48).
a. Carrying Case M26 (fig. 5) is used for transporting observation telescope M48,
and affords protection for the telescope when the latter is not in use. It is an all-leather
case, cylindrical in shape, approximately 3¾ inches in diameter and 14 inches long.
The Telescope M48 fits into the case, objective end down. An elastic loop near the
top of the case fits over the eyepiece cover cap and assists in holding the telescope
securely in place. A leather cap fits snugly over the top of the carrying case and is
secured by a leather strap and buckle. Loops are provided to receive the shoulder
strap which is part of the equipment and which is used for carrying the case and its contents.
8. TRIPOD M14 (FOR TELESCOPE M 4 8 ) .
a. Tripod M14 (fig. 6) provides a rest for the Telescope M48 and steadies it when
in use. The telescope rests in the cradle of the tripod and is secured by a webbing
strap and buckle. A socket-and-ball connection between the tripod cradle and the
leg assembly permits movement of the telescope. A clamping nut holds the telescope
at any required angle. With the folding legs of the tripod fully extended,
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ORDNANCE MAINTENANCE-OBSERVATION TELESCOPES M48 AND M49
Figure 6 -Tripod M14 With Strap
the eyepiece of the mounted telescope stands approximately 11 inches above the surface
upon which the tripod rests. The telescope can be raised or lowered, and can be held
at any position by tightening the clamping thumbscrew. The tripod folds into a compact
unit which fits readily into the carrying case. The principal assemblies of the Tripod M14
are the cradle assembly and the leg assembly.
9. CARRYING CASE M31 (FOR TRIPOD M14).
a. Carrying Case M31 (fig. 5) is used for carrying Tripod M14, and for storing it
when not in use. The Carrying Case M31 is of canvas construction with a stiff leather
reinforcement at the back and on the bottom. The stiff leather top swings on a leather
hinge and is fastened by a strap and snap fastening. Leather shoulder straps are
provided for carrying the case and its contents.
10. CARRYING CASE M27 (FOR TELESCOPE M49).
a. Carrying Case M27 (fig. 7) is used for transporting Observation Telescope M49
and affords protection for the telescope when the latter is not in use. It is an all-leather
case, lined with a felt-like padding. It measures approximately 4 inches across and is 15
inches long. The Telescope M49 fits into the case with the front end down, making
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DESCRIPTION
Figure 7 -Carrying Case M27 for Observation Telescope M49
and Carrying Case M42 for Tripod M15
a snug fit which requires no means other than the cover for securing the instrument
in the case. A leather cover cap fits over the top of the case and is secured by a strap.
Shoulder straps are also provided for carrying t h e case and its contents.
11. TRIPOD M15 (FOR TELESCOPE M 4 9 ) .
a. The Tripod M15 provides a rest for the Telescope M49 and steadies it when in use.
The telescope rests in the cradle and is held in place by a leather strap (fig. 4).
With the folding legs of the tripod fully extended, the eyepiece of the telescope is
approximately 11 inches above the surface upon which the tripod rests. With this
tripod, the telescope can be swung around to any desired position. An elevating
screw is also provided for elevating or depressing the forward end of the telescope
as necessity requires.
b. The main assemblies of Tripod M15 are the cradle assembly and the leg assembly.
These two assemblies are joined by means of the cradle support shaft which extends
through the collar in the leg assembly.
c. The Tripod M15 folds into a compact unit and fits into a carrying case for ease
and convenience in transportation.
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ORDNANCE MAINTENANCE-OBSERVATION TELESCOPES M48 AND M49
12. CARRYING CASE M42 (FOR TRIPOD M 1 5 ) .
a. Carrying Case M42 is provided for transporting the Tripod M15 (fig. 7) and
for storing it when n o t in use. This carrying case is of canvas construction w i t h
leather reinforcements. Snap fasteners are used to secure the cover flaps. Leather
shoulder straps provide a convenient means for carrying t h e case and its contents.
Section III
BASIC INSPECTION
13. PURPOSE OF INSPECTION.
a. Inspection is made for the purpose of determining the condition of the
instrument, whether repairs or adjustments are required, and the action
necessary to place the instrument in serviceable condition.
14. INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS.
a. Observation telescopes should be checked for:
Name plate data
Completeness
Appearance
Sealing
Condition of p a i n t
Condition of lenses
Smoothness of operation of focusing mechanism
Parts not too loose or too t i g h t
Tilt of image
Clarity and definition of images
Condition of carrying cases
15. BASIC INSPECTION OF OBSERVATION TELESCOPES.
a. Record t h e serial n u m b e r from t h e name plate. The name plate is located
on the housing (figs. 11 and 17).
b. Examine the telescope for completeness, appearance, condition of paint, and
for broken parts. See that set screw openings are properly sealed.
c. Shake the telescope and listen for rattles or other sounds that would
indicate loose parts.
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GENERAL MAINTENANCE
d. Check the operation of the focusing mechanism to determine that it functions
smoothly and that parts a r e n o t too tight.
e. Check the covers and the eyepiece cover caps for ease of application and
removal. Examine for damaged threads and determine whether they seat
properly.
f. Look into the telescope and examine the optical elements for signs of breakage, dirt,
grease, moisture, and deterioration of adhesive balsam in the compound lenses. Defects
of this nature can be seen by looking t h r o u g h the objective end of the telescope.
g. The image should appear sharp and clear, and should be upright when the
telescope is in normal operating position.
h. Examine t h e carrying cases for open seams, broken stitches, deteriorated elastic,
torn or frayed straps and strap loops, defective fasteners, broken snap rings, etc.
16. ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
a. Instruments f o u n d defective must be repaired or adjusted to make them
serviceable. Defects noted and action to be taken must be entered on the
inspection form (O.O.F. 7229). The action to be taken will be governed by
the facilities available.
Section IV
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
17. TOOLS.
a. Tools for the accomplishment of maintenance described in this m a n u a l may
be found in t h e instrument repair kit furnished to ordnance companies.
18. CLEANING AND PRESERVING MATERIALS.
a. Lubricants.
GREASE, lubricating, special (for all lubrication where grease is required)
OIL, lubricating, for aircraft instruments and machine guns (for all lubrication
w h e r e oil is required)
b. Cleaning Materials.
ALCOHOL, ethyl, grade 1 (for cleaning optical parts)
BRUSH, artist, camel's hair (for removing dust and lint from optics)
PAPER, lens tissue (for cleaning polished glass surfaces)
SOAP, liquid, lens cleaning
S O L V E N T , dry cleaning (for cleaning metal components)
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ORDNANCE MAINTENANCE-OBSERVATION TELESCOPES M48 AND M49
19. CARE OF OPTICAL PARTS.
a. To obtain satisfactory vision with Telescopes M48 and M49 it is necessary to
keep the lenses clean and dry. Care must also be exercised in handling the
telescopes to prevent damage to, or disarrangement of, t h e optical system.
The instruments should n o t be jarred or handled roughly, and under no
condition should they be dropped.
b. Under ordinary conditions, lenses can be cleaned sufficiently with lens
tissue paper. If there is dust on the lenses, remove it by brushing lightly with
camel's hair artist brush, and tap t h e brush against a hard body to knock o u t
small particles of dust that cling to the hairs. Repeat until all dust is removed.
Do not attempt to clean or w i p e the lenses with the fingers or a cleaning cloth;
and under no conditions will polishing liquids, pastes, or abrasives be usedfor
cleaning polished lenses.
c. To remove oil or grease from the lenses, apply liquid lenscleaning soap with
a piece of lens tissue paper. Wipe off and polish w i t h another piece of tissue.
d. W h e n liquid lens-cleaning soap is not available, ethyl alcohol may be used
for cleaning the lenses. It is important to use the alcohol very sparingly, as it reacts
on the cement used to hold the lenses together and w i l l damage the lenses unless
used sparingly and wiped off quickly. Apply ethyl alcohol w i t h a camel's hair
artist brush, and w i p e dry with a piece of lens tissue paper.
e. W h e n ethyl alcohol is not available, breathe heavily on the lens to moisten
and wipe dry as directed above. Repeat the operation several times until all
traces of oil have been removed.
20. CARE OF MECHANICAL PARTS.
a. To obtain satisfactory functioning of t h e mechanism in Telescopes M48
and M49, the mechanical parts should be kept clean and lubricated if necessary.
When assembling the parts, apply special lubricating grease sparingly to the
threads, but take care that grease does not get on the lenses. An occasional l i g h t
application of grease to the threads in the focusing nut and focusing sleeve, and
to the adapter in the focusing mechanism w i l l help to keep the instruments
functioning properly.
(1) OIL, lubricating, for aircraft instruments and machine guns, is to be used on ball
and socket joints of Tripods M14 and M15, and for screw threads in leg, cradle,
and collar assemblies of Tripods M14 and M15.
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DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
21. ROUTINE CLEANING DURING DISASSEMBLY.
a. All parts which have been removed from the instrument should be carefully
cleaned before assembly.
(1) Optical elements should be cleaned with liquid lens-cleaning soap.
If this is not available. use ethyl alcohol as an alternative. Care must be
exercised to prevent alcohol from coming in contact with the edges of
compound lenses as the lens cement is soluble in alcohol. If pencil marks have
been placed on the unpolished surfaces of lenses or prisms, avoid removing
them to prevent difficulty when assembling. Polish the optical element
with lens tissue paper. Remove dust and d i r t with an air bulb and a clean,
small camel's hair artist brush.
(2) M e t a l components should be cleaned in dry-cleaning solvent applied
with a stiff-bristled brush. NOTE: The solvent is highly inflammable.
Take proper precautions when using or handling it. Also, the solvent
should be changed frequently, so it w i l l not become saturated with dirt.
CAUTION: Do not clean metal components in drycleaning solvent when
the optical elements have not been removed.
22. SEALING.
a. W h e n replacing the eyepiece and objective cells in telescopes, apply a very
light film of grease to the threaded part of the cell. The The grease film
facilitates assembly and is effective in sealing the telescope. T h e r e
should be just enough grease to make the joint airt i g h t and moisturetight,
but n o t enough to overrun onto t h e lenses.
b. When replacing the objective lens or the eyelens in their cells, use black
Navy sealing compound to form a seal between the lens and the cell. If necessary, soften the
black Navy sealing compound
by warming with t h e hands. Then roll t h e sealing compound into a
fine, thread-like piece and apply it around the flange in the cell upon
which t h e lens will rest.
c. Plug the recesses above the various adjusting screws, etc., w i t h
plugging cement of t h e same color as t h e instrument. Smooth t h e
cement to hide the openings as completely as possible.
Section V
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
23. GENERAL.
a. To preserve the parts of the instrument, it is necessary to exer-
cise care and close attention during disassembly, cleaning, and adjust-
ment. The extent of disassembly for any given repair job is determined
by t h e repairman when he makes his inspection.
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