French Trench Binocular periscope. It was probably captured and used by the Germans in WW II. This example was acquired in Italy. It is still functional. A poor attempt was made to repaint it. The neck strap missing. The register states: Security - Rate "high". The lever folds down to act as a handle. The knurled knob adjusts the spread of eyepieces. The markings are on the back of the main tubes, half way up. Left one says "8 x 24 H/6400" and right one says "SRPI PUTEAUX No. 242" (SOCIETE DE RECHERCHE ET DE PERFECTIONNEMENT INDUSTRIELLE à Puteaux (near Paris) - serial number 242). Puteaux was a French weapons factory that made 25mm anti-tank guns and possibly other items. The Periscope is functional and an attempt has been made to repaint it in light colours which hasn't helped. No markings found other than on the dials of eyepieces. This is a small ( it's 26 cm high) binocular periscope with graticule (on the right site), official service glass for the German Army. The designation H/6400 refers to the German graticule graduation and is typical for German army optics. This model was produced during the occupation of France.