Interesting "AOB W" slides

hey guys,

i just acquired a few AOB-marked slides: one's a "B" inspector, the other a "C". Each of these slides, though, has what looks like a "W" stamped into the cup. Both are E279s (using the Carbine Club method), or they are Type III (using Riesch's method).

Both slides appear to be original finish, and it looks like those "W"s have been there for a looong time (bottom slide's W is a partial, but same lines/font as the top one).

I did a quick check in my books, and didn't see anything about lateral support (either way) between Winchester and IBM as far as slides go.

What do you guys think?

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...w_slides-1.jpg

Just to clarify: I was wondering if anyone had an opinion on the authenticity of these slides, and if anyone had seen IBM slides marked like this before.

Thanks!

Looking over some books and paper work, I don't see where either Winchester loaned IBM any slides or IBM loaned any slides to Winchester. That is what it appears has happened though. I wish I had a better answer for you. :dunno:

it is an interesting question, isn't it? :) nothing in War Baby or Harrison's books about lateral support between IBM and Winchester. i'm stumped!

:sos::sos::sos:

:D

I could be that the W doesn't have anything to do with Winchester. Maybe it was some kind of internal IBM or AO marking.

Those are both early IBM slides. I doub't it was some kind of transfer from IBM to WRA.

That is very true, Newscottlander. I haven't ever read anything like that, but it is definitely a possibility! New info pops-up all the time. :D

Anyone else have any thoughts/ideas?