WWI Hinged Rifle Periscope or Trench Mirror - 'Vigilant”'
c. 1914This trench mirror was designed to be clipped to a bayonet on a rifle. The mirror is hinged to be closed when not in use, as to avoid a gunner’s attention and protect the mirror. If a soldier held the rifle upright above the parapet of a trench, he could safely look for enemy soldiers without exposing himself to fire. There is a hinged bracket on the reverse with three reinforced metal holes for attaching the rifle. The original information on the inside of the lid has been replaced with a modern transcription.
Originally produced in France, patented 1914, and later adopted by British and American forces. In Britain it was designated in 1915 as the "Periscope No 18 (Vigilant) pattern".
Details
Details
"Fix the 'VIGILANT' on the point of a
bayonet or sword or on a stick. It can be used
in every direction in the trenches, behind a tree,
in an ambush etc."
"ALWAYS CARRY IT WHEN RECONNOITERING"
"Copyright by France 14 Novembre 1914 SECRETAN PARIS"
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