Northern Europe, United Kingdom, Manchester, ca. 1914 to 1918 CE. A collapsible periscope with two parallel sets of steel lazy tongs, a glass mirror at each end, and the original canvas storage case. Small rivets hold the tongs in place with three sets of horizontal supporting bars. The two mirrors are set in a rectangular steel plate. On the front side of one plate is embossed "THE LIFEGUARD PATENT PERISCOPE SOLE MAKERS F. DUERR & SONS MANCHESTER S. W." The canvas case has two rivet snaps on a strap that could then be attached to belt. Size (collapsed): 4.5" L x 4.25" W x 2.25" H (11.4 cm x 10.8 cm x 5.7 cm); (expanded): 25" L x 4.25" W (63.5 cm x 10.8 cm); (case): 5" L x 4.5" W x 2.75" H (12.7 cm x 11.4 cm x 7 cm)

This periscope was invented and patented by Edgar Duerr, who was part of the Duerr Jam company, which is still in business today. Periscopes became essential for trench warfare for seeing the enemy without exposing oneself as a target. These lifesaving devices were approved by the British War Office, but soldiers had to purchase them on their own.

Provenance: ex-Dundee collection, Newtownabbey, United Kingdom

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#160813

Some stains and discoloration on case. Scuffs and scratches on exterior of metal plates. Oxidation and some cloudiness to both mirrors. Still functions!