German auxiliary rangefinder, ca 1914

[Whateverist]

On the upside, it has a large rangefinder base. On the downside, I don't think it'll fit an accessory shoe.

(sorry about the image quality, had to scoot over quickly. Taken at the Atlantikwall Museum in Oostende, Belgium)

 

[skucera]

I think this installation was from 1943. I love the other meaning of "rangefinder" in use, though. 😉

Scott

 

[Ranchu]

That's cool, it's unforunate they're letting it decay.

 

[Whateverist]

I think this installation was from 1943.

According to the plaque this model was built during WWI (CP Goertz in Berlin, 6m base). The fortifications in the area were built during WWI to protect the harbour of Ostend, and later incorporated in the WWII Atlantikwall.

 

[skucera]

Ah, that makes sense. I'm envious that you get to go look at nearby military fortifications like this. Here in Oregon we had very little fortification during WW2, and almost all of what was built was dismantled after the war. For example, the office building I work in was built on the site of a small airfield that had been used as a training site for pilots and crews of little observation aircraft, but the airstrip itself was removed and turned into a nature reserve. On the coast, the coastal batteries have been swallowed by sand dunes. It's kind of disappointing for a history buff like me.

Scott