Antiques & 20th Century Collectables
WW2 Snipers Observer Telescope MKVI
Broad arrow stamped
WW2 Broad Arrow Stamped Snipers Observer Telescope, TEL SIG MKVI, O.S 717. G.A
Introduced just after WW1, the MKVI (mk6) was lighter than the mk4 and came with darkened/blued tubes and an ND eyepiece filter but kept the same awkward format of two different magnification eyepieces and leather end caps connected to a shoulder strap that feeds through two loops sewn to the leather body. The MK6 was solid and made with thicker gauge brass and over-engineered compared to its successor, the Scout Regiment.
The quality of optics from this Broadhurst Clarkson produce a sharp, high contrast image with accurate colours. Magnification is lower than the 20x of the Scout Regiment Scopes and generally accepted as approximately 15X with the Low Eyepiece.
This telescope is usable as a spotting telescope or a fine addition to any antique or Military collection. Furthermore, this MKVI is not out of place when completing a British & Commonwealth Nations No4(T) equipment chest; it was not uncommon to see the MKVI as part of the CES for the No4(T).
Broashurst Clarkson & Co, Broad Arrow stamped.
50mm (2") Objective Lens, 285mm length retracted, 920mm extended (inc sun shield). Weight approx 1.6 KG (without sundries)
This MK6 observer/snipers spotting telescope is stamped with the British Military broad arrow, confirming service issue. Further marks show the model: TEL SIG MkVI, maker B.C. Ltd & Co, very low serial number 5007 and part number OS. 717. G.A.
Condition
The leather cladding has two service marks; the first is a large stencilled number '69' in black ink, and to the other side a smaller stencilled letter 'R' in white paint. We have not identified the significance of the letter and number combination.
We have replaced the gland linings and adjusted the drawers, the main drawers hold firm and the focusing drawer having the easier smooth action while still holding the focus position. Some original bluing remains on the drawers, but the majority is now age and service-related patina. There is a very slight high point along the length of the seam line of the first drawer; this can be felt slightly on extension/retraction, but it is original to the telescope.
The optics have been cleaned, and both external and internal optics are all 100% original, correct and in good condition producing a bright, sharp image that is easily focused. There are two very small chips on the outside edge of the achromatic lens assembly; this is typical of the original flint glass lenses and does not affect the image quality whatsoever. There are some very faint typical micro marks and micro scratches aquired through age/use, but these can only be seen with a jeweller loop or examination light placed to the side of the lens.
The telescope will have seen service during WW2 and later conflicts. So there is general wear, scuffs and marks, all commensurate with age and service. The stitching is in generally good order on the telescope body leather cladding and sun shield, but there are four missing stitches to one end of one of the sewn-on loops (see 12th image), so this loop is able to lift on the corner. The Leather end caps and loops are very worn, fragile but still functioning. The smaller leather end cap has a similar area of loose stitching at one end of the strap loop.
Regarding the body strap loops:
One should take care. This telescope has original body strap loops and original stitching with only a small corner area loose from four missing stitches. Most of these military scopes have missing strap loops altogether as most become worn or torn off due to the awkward design. When assembled, the shoulder strap and leather end caps are all connected to each other. The shoulder strap is then looped through the telescope body resulting in excessive wear and forces on these two loops. In use, it is easy to tug at these loops as the end caps, and strap assembly all hangs awkwardly underneath the scope. Unless you treat the item as collectable/display or to complete a No4(T) and store it in the chest, we recommend NOT connecting the shoulder strap through the body. It is easier and simpler to store the shoulder strap for safekeeping and secure only the end caps to protect the optics and remove these when using the telescope.
The scope is complete with Low EyePiece (x15), original leather endcaps with leather strap/buckle, and the original shoulder strap and buckle. It does not have a second Hi (x30) eyepiece & pouch. However, supplied as CES Kit for the No4(T) the additional Hi eyepiece was usually omitted or later removed (as with this example).
A genuine military issue MKVI scope, cleaned, serviced, excellent image quality and entirely usable.
SOLD
