British WWII MkV Heliograph Signalling Set.

Original period manufacture. Based on the 1888 model, this great looking contraption appears to be very complete and comes with the following; Russet leather storage case, tin with spare mirrors, small tool kit in its canvas case, dual signaling mirrors with mounting bracket. All of the components fit into the leather storage box, there are no empty pockets so we will presume the thing is complete. Condition is very good, no damage with a fair amount of original black lacquer remaining on the brass fittings. The US Army experimented with Heliograph systems in the Great Plains and Southwest, especially Arizona and New Mexico. The earliest devices were originally provided by Great Britain. In 1890 a test of the system in Arizona and New Mexico was done, beginning from Fort Whipple in Arizona, to Fort Stanton in New Mexico. The test covered over 2,000 miles and involved 33 officers and 129 enlisted men. A message of 97 words was sent and received in 22 minutes.