German Tanks, Cupola Viewing Blocks. Tinted or Clear?

[John Glover]

Over the years i have seen a lot of debate over the glass in the Viewing Blocks/Periscopes that were fitted to German tanks in World War 2 were either clear glass or green tinted. A lot of that debate has said that green tinted glass in these viewing blocks was not introduced into tanks until post WW2. I recently watched a 7 part series on YouTube of the Australian Armour & Artillery Museum's Tiger 1 [Mid Production] restoration. In part 6 they receive a shipment of the Cupola Viewing Blocks/Periscopes for this tank that are in what I consider, mint condition.
A question I've had for years has now been answered. They are clear glass not green tinted. This may be of interest to my fellow tankers. I have added a link to the video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2Fyyi-j90Q&t=211s

Regards
John Glover

[EAO]

Hi John,

Very interesting indeed. Over the years I have been offered the thick, laminated, bullet resistant glass from the front windscreen of the canopy of Messerschmitt 109's. Both of these had the green "Coke bottle" tint to them. I guess it makes sense given the glare that the pilots would have to deal with. I couldn't imagine the same being true for night fighters though?

Very interesting, thanks for posting!

Cheers,
Eric.