WW2 German Wehrmacht Richtkreis-Kollimator 12M – MG / ROCKET AIMING SCOPE – RARE

You are bidding on an EXCELLENT example of a WW2 German Wehrmacht Richtkreis-Kollimator 12M (RKr. K. 12M) Ranging and Spotting Scope! This was used in conjunction with MG, Artillery, and Rocket units.

The Richtkreis K 12M (RKr. K 12M) aiming scope was developed for MG, Artillery, and Rocket units, and was used for measuring horizontal and vertical angles. It was an important instrument for initially sighting heavy guns prior to firing. These were used in conjunction with the Rundblickfernrohr 36 (Rbl.F) telescope models and higher which featured a long line of letters and numbers on a horizontal line on the reticle that went from left to right and were just above the “V” on the reticle that is identical to what you seen in the MGZ40 and 34s. The RblF 36 and above were manipulated by the artillery gunner to point directly into the opening of the K12 from a distance. The K12 would be aimed at a distant target (like a church steeple) to get an estimated height angle combined with the properly surveyed angle to the strike area. Once the proper height and angle called in by the observers were calibrated in the K12, the distant gunner would rotate the head of the RblF and point it into the direction of the external objective of the K12 so that in his view, he could see his horizontal line of data superimposed perfectly and magnified properly in the “projected” beam of data coming from the K12. Once the gun was elevated properly so that the RblF was collimated against the K12’s showing the magnified letters in his scope coming from the K12, he knew his angle of his gun was properly aligned for height and angle. These K12s were used (along with the RblFs) to align V2 rockets for launch angles. The RblF was pointed at the K12 as above from the V2’s tail assembly and the rocket was adjusted in this way just before launching.

Made by Leitz-Wetzlar of a brass, aluminum, and steel, this is a VERY NICE example. Though it was manufactured during the war, it was re-purposed by the German military after the war, and as such has additional military markings. It retains approximately 95% original paint and finish, and is 100% complete! Some slight marks and wear, but nothing that takes away from the overall appearance. All adjustments work as they should and the optics are extremely clear. The original wartime markings, “K12M” appears to have been over-painted at one time. No cracks, breaks, or damage, and it still rotates VERY smoothly and correctly on the outer base! An VERY RARE item, it would make a PERFECT addition to any collection or display!