Mounting, Tripod, .303" M.G., Mk. 5

[Richard Fisher]

Hi folks,

RE: cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=6583873107&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT

On eBay at the moment there is a Mk. 5 Vickers tripod. These were limited production for the airborne forces and were made out of light-weight aluminium. I would dearly like one for my collection and while the one on eBay is expensive, I would consider it.

However, from the "Grand Old Lady of No Man's Land" (Goldsmith, 1994), I have doubts regarding the one currently for sale and would appreciate some views of others who may no more or different.

I think that the true Mk. 5 should have spiked feet, as mentioned in Goldsmith (1994) and this was to increase stability of the gun in compensation of the reduced weight of the tripod. Whereas the gun on eBay does not seem to have these spikes on the feet and I am therefore presuming that the crosshead and legs are mismatched - would you agree?

I look forward to hearing your comments.

Regards

Richard

PS If anyone has one for sale then let me know - although for less than that please!

[Richard Fisher]

Those of you that have been viewing this item will have seen an update today:

From IMA:

Vickers Mk.5 Tripod Revisited.

We have re-examined this Mark 5 Tripod serial #S254 and note as follows:-

The Crosshead is lightweight and constructed of some non magnetic material (magnesium) as stated in Dolph Goldsmith's (The Grand Old Lady of No Man's Land).

The body of the Tripod also is of this same lightweight material and is also Serial numbered S.254 and dated LP.45.

The three tripod legs DO NOT have the addition of a spike on the feet, asa shown in illustration #522 on page 465 of Goldsmith's excellent book HOWEVER these are non standard legs in that the feet are also non magnetic lightweight material, the tubular portion are steel possibly thinner walled and the upper portion which interfaces with the body of the tripod although also of ferous material has been lightened by the machining away of a considerable amount of metal in the form of a donut from the bracket head which is not apparent until the leg is disassembled from the tripod.

The Azmuth dial of brass and the elevating gear with brass wheel appear to be standard Mk 4 Tripod specification partswhich one could assume are replacdements or were still being utilized in the early Mk.5 Tripod construction of low serial number.

Plainly the absence of the spikes on the lightweight non magnetic feet indicate that design modifications were ongoing with improvements being added as production progressed.

This tripod came to us in a Government Surplus sale in the mid 1990s mixed in with several hundred standard tripods

I still have reservations as the 'serial number' being quoted is more like a makers identification stamp and no mention has been made of a 'PL' serial number in the range of 1 to 2050 - which, according to Goldsmith (1994) it should have, although he may be wrong.

See if anyone bids as unless they respond very soon with the answer to that question (which I just put to them), I will not be bidding on something that may not be 100%.

Regards

Richard

[Richard Fisher]

IMA got back to me and confirmed that they could find no other markings on the tripod, particularly a serial number. It was therefore too rich for my blood and I decided to pass it over. It may have been a development model or a special adaptation of some sort. I don't know!

If anyone has one of these that has all the appropriate points, then I would like to know.

Regards

Richard

[emmagee]

Harrumpf.

I saw that tripod. I don't know what it is either but my perfectly ordinary Mk. IV tripod has that same S254 mark in exactly the same place.

For two grand I'd want to be very sure of what I was buying.

Pass.

Harry

[Richard Fisher]

Ditto Harry. The auction ended without any bids and it has been relisted, but at the same price. Some additional photographs have been submitted of the legs and feet but I still have reservations and it is a lot of money.

However, best of luck to the seller and any bidders.

Regards

Richard

[Richard Fisher]

I have today received a copy of 'Broad Arrow' by Ian Skennerton which is all the different markings encountered on weapons. Having looked, I can confirm the S.254 is Portadyne Radio and must therefore conclude that this is a development tripod, but not one of the approved issue items.

[Kev]

Re - The Broad Arrow, I would highly reccomend the book to anyone with an interest in British and Commonwealth small arms.It is a goldmine of information on (as it says on the tin) Factory production,proof,inspection,armourers,unit and issue markings.

ISBN 0949749435

As Richard has mentioned it is particularly usefull for reference to war production manufacturers codes.