Mystery of the Missing Wartime Long Branch Snipers

[superbee]

Here is one of the early 1943 LB snipers.

https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-us/a...d-a51e00f04dbd

http://www.gunauction.com/buy/9955640

Information

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[stencollector]

Here is what I got from my source on the outstanfing orders for sighting telescopes:

"There is a listing of "Outstanding Contract Balances at Dec. 31, 1945". The only references to Telescopes, Sighting in this listing are:

Telescopes Sighting Mod.E, Quantity - 350
Conversion of 51--32 Mk. I Telescopes to 32 Mk. IA and Spare Parts, Quantity- Balance to be Cancelled"

So it would appear that REL was referring to the mk3 telescope as the model "E".

I had a look through "without warning"and all the numbers from above match what Clive put in the book.

[Surpmil]

Here is one of the early 1943 LB snipers.

https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-us/a...d-a51e00f04dbd

http://www.gunauction.com/buy/9955640

.....

**A .303” No 4 Mk I* Long Branch Sniper Rifle, number 36L5033, the frame marked “No 4 Mk I*/ Long Branch/ 1943”, the butt with added cheek rest; with its correct No 32 Mk I sniper sight, number 6339, dated 1941, the rifle butt also stamped “6339” behind the frame, and with Canadian Government mark on the underside; with recent Nitro Proofs. GWO & C; in its wooden crate, the side stencilled “Chest S.A. No 15 Mk I”, the lid stencilled with rifle and sight serial numbers, containing leather sling and original steel No 8 Mark I case for the sight, dated 1941, the lid also painted with the rifle and sight serial numbers, containing adjusting tool and leather lens-covers. GC. The rifle only Plate 5

"...with its correct No 32 Mk I sniper sight, number 6339, dated 1941..." Obviously not the correct scope, but one fitted later.