Turmzielfernrohr T.Z.F. 4/b "CME" (Wichmann - Berlin), Panzerkampfwagen II (Panzer II Ausf. F), circa 1943

The T.Z.F. 4/b (Turm-Zielfernrohr 4/b), produced by “CME” – Wichmann, Gebr., Zeichengeräte, Vermessungs-Instrumente, Berlin, is a complex monocular telescopic sight intended for aiming the guns installed on Panzer II light tanks, in particular in the Ausf versions. BC–C and Ausf. F. The device has a fixed magnification of 2.5x and a field of view of 25°, offering an adequate compromise between target acquisition capacity and visual control of the operational area.

The optic was used on the Panzer II equipped with a 2 cm KwK 30 automatic cannon. The initial version was adopted on the Ausf. a–C, while the T.Z.F. variants 4/36 and T.Z.F. 4/38 were subsequently introduced on the Ausf. F, in line with the technical updates of the vehicle.

The aiming reticle, initially graduated up to 800 meters, was updated starting in 1938 with a scale extended to 1,200 meters, allowing for more effective range estimation and improved ballistic compensation.

The optic was used for both the 2 cm KwK 30 automatic cannon and the MG 34 coaxial machine gun, ensuring versatility of use.

Although it appears to be in good cosmetic condition, sighting through it does not provide a complete image, and it lacks the aiming reticle. These two elements suggest that it was likely tampered with/removed during the war (likely in field maintenance workshops following damage and subsequent intervention) or in the post-war period.

References:

• https://wikitanks.com/index.php?title=TZF_4#google...
• U.S. War Department Technical Manual, TM-E 30-451: Handbook on German Military Forces (Marzo 1945). CHAPTER VIII. EQUIPMENT. Section III. ARTILLERY FIRE CONTROL EQUIPMENT. GERMAN TANK AND ARMORED CAR SIGHTS—TURRET SIGHTING TELESCOPES y GERMAN TANK AND ARMORED CAR SIGHTS—HULL MACHINE GUN TELESCOPES.
• Higgings, David R. (2015). Panzer II vs 7TP: Poland 1939. Duel 66. Oxford: Osprey Publishing Ltd.. ISBN 978-1-4728-0882-0.
• Chamberlain, Peter (1993). Encyclopedia of German Tanks of Ww2. Weidenfeld & Nicolson. IS