Civvy telescope?

I have just aquired a telescope and hope that someone can help with info. purely as a matter of interest When I first saw it I thought it was a Scout Regt. However, it is embossed on the body leather with the letters H.H.N. and below it S.E.L.M.P.A. and below that 1922-47. On the first draw where the usual engraving is placed is "C.Baker,244 High Holborn,W.C.1." It appears to be a civvy version of a Scout scope and produced as a Commemorative item.. All the bits interchange with my B&C scout scopes so it is,I think made by B&C and "badged up.". It had been incorrectly assembled so needed 10 minutes work to make it into a very nice scope and in very original condition. I bought it as spares but it much too good to break. I have researched all the embossed info. with no result. C.Baker was certainly in the optics business but I feel that this scope is a B&C .I think the engraving ihas been done on virgin brass ,there is no sign of original engraving being linished out. One odd thing is that the sliding eye shutter is solid and has no dark glass in it. Can anyone help ?

It probably started its life as a wartime Scout Reg Scope and like zillions of others, went back into the 'trade' post war and was refurbished to sell into the retail trade. You can often find Sct Reg scopes that have been commercialised for want of a better word. Many are marked up to large London shops/retailers and one I had recently had clearly been linished clean and re-engraved lightly where it was cleaned. And like yours, had a solid shutter instead of a filter.

Not a lot of help but that's what's happened

Thanks Peter,I hoped you would reply! All I have to do now is find out what all the embossing refers to. My best bet so far is some sort of Indian connection. i think however that life is too short to pursue the investigation much longer. Thanks for the info.

I have some brand new OG lens assemblies including a couple of the last ordnance issue 'cemented' doublet type if anyone out there is interested. The problem with the Scout Reg scope was that the OG lenses were in a pretty vulnerable position out there at the extreme front end with no protection. And they always fall heavy end first........

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Originally Posted by Peter Laidler

I have some brand new OG lens assemblies including a couple of the last ordnance issue 'cemented' doublet type if anyone out there is interested. The problem with the Scout Reg scope was that the OG lenses were in a pretty vulnerable position out there at the extreme front end with no protection. And they always fall heavy end first........

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Yes please