Map Table PIU 700x700mm Canvas Pouch and Cover
Canvas Pouch & Cover
The full name (postwar Norwegian) of this table is called:
‘TABLE, PAINTING, FIRE CONTROL, 700 700 mm, w/accessories.‘
Which is more precises than the original German name: Planunterlage 700x700mm (PIU 700x700mm).
The square transportation cover is a must to protect the protractor and the wooden table top when in storage and in transport.
Photos and old markings on my ‘Version One’ table showing that it was equipped with two canvas pieces.
It is not a postwar add on, which is no reason to have two different designs on two versions.
The accessories are:
1.The 1:25000 1:50000 RDP Protractor inside the curve pouch.
2.The 1:12500 1:25000 1:50000 1:100000 Plotting Ruler in the slot under the table.
1. Curve canvas pouch for protractor
(Thanks to David Mallen for pouch reference.)
https://www.whrestorer.com/david-mallen-collection/
For containing the artillery protractor, attached on the left side by eight screws with washers at the table edge, two male snap buttons installed at the bottom side of the table and two straps with female snaps at the wider side of the curve pouch for secure it when folding upward to protect the protractor inside.
When carrying by shoulder straps vertically, the flat side of the protractor is at the bottom side of the table.
From practical testing, there is only this way to correctly install the pouch.
It is easy to damage the valuable artillery protractor during transport without the protection of the square canvas cover as the pouch is only secured by two snap buttons on straps.
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2. Square transportation canvas cover
(photo: Internet)
This cover is a must for protection on transportation and storage.
Two different locking device for this cover depends on different version/manufacturer.
From this one and only pic the curve pouch is clearly seen under the top square cover here.
From my research the transportation cover is not introduced by Norwegian Army after the war, every existing tables has two different sets of device installed at the back side of table:
A. Two snaps for the protractor pouch at both Version One and Version Two
B1. Four twisted locks (Version One)
IMHO it is quiet fragile and easy to damage.
My own table has lost all four if not purposely removed.
Pic: Hobbyhistorica
B2. Two footman loops at opposite side of the protractor pouch.(Version Two)
It is a more robust design and soldier proof.
Almost all survived on the surplus and relics.
Photos: Internet
Square canvas cover information is almost non-existent, only this two pics found on internet.
Always welcome any help of pics and details of this covers.