Long Branch N°32 MK1A for sale ...

Perhaps of interest to some of our Canadian Enfield collectors ... ;)

Thanks to member Promo for locating and reporting it.... :thup:

Warning: One of our members has reported getting a virus alert when clicking on the Italian web site link below, where this advertisment is posted. So, either don't bother going there, or if you choose to, then please make sure your antivirus software on your local computer is up to date. I checked it myself and I am not getting an alerts from my environment running on an Apple MacBook Pro with their OSX operating system using Sophos antivirus software. It's possible that the member's antivirus software is throwing out a "false positive", indicating a virus issue when there really isn't one, but please be safe rather then sorry.

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Armiusate.it :: Forli-Cesena : Armi lunghe : Long Branch N°32 MK1A .303 British

Vendo/Cedo Long Branch N°32 MK1A .303 British

Vendo esemplare raro di ottica fabbricata nel 1943 dalla REL canadese N°32 MK1A costruito in circa 50 esemplari ( vedi il libretto di PETER LAIDLER sulle ottiche inglesi e canadesi del modello N° 32 ) . L'autore del libro lo definisce VERY RARE. Accetto offerte che siano consone alla rarita' dell'oggetto. Faccio presente che il tutto è praticamente NUOVO DI FABBRICA.

Attachment 41315Attachment 41314Attachment 41313Attachment 41312Attachment 41311Attachment 41310Attachment 41309Attachment 41308Attachment 41316

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Google translates to:

"Sell / Cedo Long Branch # 32 .303 British MK1A Buy rare specimen of optics manufactured in 1943 by the Canadian REL # 32 MK1A built in about 50 pieces (see the book of Peter Laidler on optical British and Canadian Model N ° 32). The author of the book defines VERY RARE. I accept offers which are consonant with the rarity 'of the object. I should note that everything is practically NEW FACTORY."

By the way, although we recommend and prefer posts to be made using English, for the benefit of our foreign members who prefer their native language for ease in reading our content, at the very bottom of your web site browser you'll see a small red square. Looks like this ---> Attachment 41307

It activates Google's Translate Page function and re-displays all of our web pages viewed following it's activation in whatever language chosen. Once activated, you'll see the Google bar at the top of the web page display showing what language our web site is currently being translated to, as well as other options. When finished viewing the site, to switch back to native mode, simply click Original button. To close the Google translate function, click the small X in the top right corner og the Google display, to close it as you would any other program.

Because the Italian text for this ad was buried within an English post, to translate it to English, I told Google to translate the page to any other language first (pick one) and then using the Google bar, to translate back to English, which yielded the translation I showed above. I then selected English to get back to our default page.

Regards,
Doug

Wow, I'd have to classify it as a pretty elaborate reproduction, (politically correct terminology!). I got out my 1943 Mk.1A, sn. 317-C and the markings aren't even close. Looks like a Sarco/IMA bracket someone had a go on with the electric pencil although I see the little C-Broad arrow in the thumbscrews. The scope case, adjusting tool, and lens caps? That's just my humble opinion. I'll let you guys be the judge. Peter, Rog, Warren, Kelly, where are you? Remarkable. Am I crazy?

Very interesting: the can I have my suspicions on however the scope looks good.
1- checked the markings on some of mine and ALL the engraving is different sizes...and these are ORIGINALS I am using.
2- turrets are pinned : not done on the repro...all makes
3- locking collars appear to be steel :not brass as on the repro's
4- numbering on turrets is consistent with Canadian markings and NOT as per the repro's
5- there appears to be a C/I\ in the thumb screw...just of the centre. consistent with Canadian mount screws
6- turret body is rough compared to the repro....repro is CNC machined and NOT cast
7- no machining marks where all the repro mounts show it. I have several repro and original REL mounts to compare
8- electo pencil marking is correct on the mount, just cannot see if there is the oval inspectors number or a Maltese cross.
9- the index on this scope is the diamond. :repro's are a line.
10- index pointer appears to be rough as original
11- cradle screws sit correctly in this one and not way proud as in the repro mounts.

There are more than one maker of the repro mounts and some are awful. One repro mount make in particular has an undersized aligning slot in the mount and will often break loose the turret when the aligning pin is forced into the mount with the cradle and screws. What a treat to repair the scope then and I've repaired a few for people. It is amazing the damage some people can do with a screw, a screwdriver and a big fist.

I've checked the records and 130-C does not show anywhere in either Harry's list or one that anyone that I know has worked on, who kept records.

The scope looks damn$d good and unless someone has put a lot of time and effort into it, I say it is good. The tool and can are suspect (very) but the scope and mount look real good and unless the humpers are really getting that good I say it is good. I do reserve total definitive judgment however until I had it in my hot hands and tore it down. There are a few little quirks in the Canadian scopes that are not in the British. I've had a couple of unmarked "lunch bucket" REL's in for repairs with no markings but they all have telltale signs inside and out.
I have two Mk.1A scopes and the markings are both quite different. The ONLY fly in the ointment I see is the missing electro pencil /I\ normally found between the 1943 and the serial number. Maybe it just does not show up in the picture. I have REL Mk.1A's numbers both sides of this scope and both fonts are slightly different. The markings on this scope are very close to one of mine around the 100 mark.
If it is a repro I'd sure like to shake the guys/girls hand as it is GOOD!!!

I have a huge pile of photo's of the repro scope parts in detail and will probably post them once the desk thumping, eyeball bulging furour cools down over the repro, fake,phoney, shite scopes or whatever you want to call them.
The repro's are what they are...call them what you like, but if a repro was built as an exact copy of the 32 no one could afford them. Just go get new made ocular lenses you are looking at $100.00 a pop and you need two, plus erector cell lenses and the OG. Repro's were going to be done in the UK and after almost 15 to 20 years I think the principle in the story has given up the ghost. Roger: any word on PS's venture or has he just given it up as a lost cause. Last time I spoke with him, the project was dead in the water but he still will not dump any items other than the ones you got out of him some years ago..
Anyone have any more info on this REL scope just PM me and we can mull it over.

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Originally Posted by Warren

The ONLY fly in the ointment I see is the missing electro pencil /I\ normally found between the 1943 and the serial number.

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It seems that there may be a very faint "/I\" in between the two, just not paint filled. Also it looks like a "CGB" (?) under the 1943 in one photo. Thought it was a reflection at first, but the "G" is under the "4".

Otherwise, "I know nothing! Nothing!"

Some points to consider:

Had a look at a few Canadian mounts 1944s and 1945s. Consistent casting shape/marks with the
one pictured.

I have seen one or two other Canadian mounts that did have the electro pencil acceptance without the inspectors stamp visible.

Only seen a couple MK 1A examples to date, none of them had the CAN after the R.E.L. and the serial number started bit more to the left (minor production variance?). The C and A in the “C No. 32 MK.1A “ were slightly smaller and not as strong.

That being said the indexing plates, marks and turret look consistent. The offset indexing mark on the deflection, has been seen on other MK 1A.

Indexing plates on a lot of the repos have very sharp corners as do the turret bodies mentioned by Warren.

Attachment 41320

The electro pencil C broad arrow on the mount was the first fly in the ointment for me. Then the molded 'ridge" between the rear thumbscrew and the scope ring. The original wouldn't have had such a 3D projection. I leave the very specific identification points to the more knowledgible member of the forum.

". The ONLY fly in the ointment I see is the missing electro pencil /I\ normally found between the 1943 and the serial number."


Warren,
Not to jack this thread, but your statement confirms what I've thought about my scope and mount, which does have a crude electro pencil /|\ Broad Arrow. It's a 1943.

I have two Canadian mounts with electro pencil C/I\ on them and I KNOW they are originals....one has the oval inspectors mark as well and one has two small C/I\ on it
Also, there was at one time a thread on the dimple not being correct for Canadian marked thumb screws....I have both and again this stuff is many years before the humpers got into the business.

Three the same and all three slightly different on the engraving and all 3 kosher.
Attachment 41321

Dimples and the electro pencil marks
Attachment 41322
Attachment 41323

Some pics from a later example in the MKL…

Milsurps Knowledge Library - 1945 Enfield No.4 Mk1*(T) Long Branch Sniper Rifle

http://photos.imageevent.com/badgerd...20_Medium_.JPG(Click PIC to Enlarge)http://photos.imageevent.com/badgerd...20_Medium_.JPG(Click PIC to Enlarge)http://photos.imageevent.com/badgerd...20_Medium_.JPG

Regards,
Doug

The mount on my 1943 Long Branch has similar features, though the matching rifle serial number is stamped right above the rear thumb screw. Not sure if this was done by the Brits or in Canada.

Attachment 41335Attachment 41336

Well, again and ad nauseum... Should have done this all at once however..............
I just pulled out some REL cans and some Mk.1A scopes and had a closer look. Plus I also got some info from a third party (who will remain anonymous unless he/she) wants their name into this.
I am now 99 44/100 percent sure the scope and can are kosher/legitimate as shown.
Also, when digging into the cans I find that I have a can for the No.67 scope so if anyone wants to trade a No.67 can for a GOOD 32 REL can, not tube, please PM me.
cheers,
The old curmudgeon hisself.

Another example for reference

Attachment 41337


The "step" above the rear thumb screw is a characteristic of Canadian production. It varies over the production life of the mount from almost straight to having a noticeable arc. The definition of the step varies as well, fades out/in along the line/arc.

A lot of the cheap reproduction mounts have a straight clean line.

Electro Pencil acceptance marks similar to the mount are sometimes encountered on Long Branch cocking pieces as well. Location is usually ahead of the grasping grooves or just below them. Have some examples somewhere, just need to find them...

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Originally Posted by Warren

Well, again and ad nauseum... Should have done this all at once however..............
I just pulled out some REL cans and some Mk.1A scopes and had a closer look. Plus I also got some info from a third party (who will remain anonymous unless he/she) wants their name into this.
I am now 99 44/100 percent sure the scope and can are kosher/legitimate as shown.
Also, when digging into the cans I find that I have a can for the No.67 scope so if anyone wants to trade a No.67 can for a GOOD 32 REL can, not tube, please PM me.
cheers,
The old curmudgeon hisself.

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Hi warren deon gorton here I will swap a rel can for a no67 one if you are keen