Tripods and Mounts for German Optical, Radio, and Military Equipment, circa 1940

The Gestell 40 was adopted around 1940 as the successor to the Gestell 31. Its principal improvements included the simplification of various components, enhanced manufacturability and field usability, reduced weight, and the addition of a spirit level. When folded, its overall length is 95 cm (37.4 in). It weighs 3.2 kg (7.1 lb), approximately 45% less than the Gestell 31 (ring-adjustment model).

The Richtkreis (also known as the Messkreis), bearing the manufacturer code bmk, assigned to Srb & Stys, a manufacturer of optical and precision instruments based in Prague (then located in the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia), was a device used by the German armed forces during the Second World War.

Mounted between the tripod and the Scherenfernrohr (scissor telescope), it was designed to enable the precise measurement of horizontal angles (azimuths), orient the instrument toward a target, and determine and transmit target bearings to artillery, mortar units, or command posts. It was also employed for topographical observation and fire-control duties.

The present example is fitted with an upper mounting bracket featuring a dovetail (or "guillotine") attachment, most likely intended to secure an auxiliary optical device or accessory instrument, probably used for target acquisition or ballistic fire-control calculations.

Two Luftwaffe STA2 tripods for the Richtfunkgerät Elster SEG2T, Ln 20026. Both are stamped with the Waffenamt acceptance mark "WaA 171" and a serial or issue number; the Waffenamt stamp is also present on the adjustable mounting bracket.

The designation "Luftwaffe STA2 / Richtfunkgerät Elster SEG2T / Ln 20026" refers to a German Luftwaffe military communications system based on the Elster SEG2T, a directional microwave radio link manufactured by C. Lorenz and used to establish reliable point-to-point communications between fixed installations such as airfields and command centers. The designation STA2 most likely identifies a specific station configuration (an operational set with a defined equipment complement), while Ln 20026 is the Luftwaffe logistics catalogue number officially assigned to the system or its components within the military telecommunications nomenclature for the German Air Force's command and communications network.