British WWII Vickers MG Paratrooper Tripod: Original German Artwork & Posters This truly excellent example is

This truly excellent example is beautifully marked with serial number 17619 that is matched on both the barrel and base cup

but the lower pipe is more elaborate and is carefully cut into the forestock

they are not intended to be fired

Let us hope more definitive information develops to confirm this speculation

British WWII Vickers MG Paratrooper Tripod: Original German Artwork & Posters This truly excellent example isOriginal Item: ONE ONLY! Truly rare, this is the only ONE we've ever seen. Introduced early in 1945 and discontinued in January 1947 this is the rarest of all the Vickers Tripods. Intended for Airborne use these were principally made of light weight Magnesium. Tripod marked on the crosshead "MOUNT TRIPOD. MG MK. 5" along with various other military acceptance stampings. This is our ONLY example, dated "L. P. 45" and Serial numbered "S25". British M.