M73B1 Question

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02-17-2015, 04:29 PM
bczandm

M73B1 Question

I have a few questions on this scope. The numbers on it are telescope, M73B1 STOCK NO. 7579931 SERIAL NO. 33615 and the number on bottom 7635029 and a number on the right side of the adjustment plate 7669611. The serial number is not stamped on like the rest and looks like it was put on with an engraving pen. It not Weaver marked, I am guessing it is a type 3. I am interested in buying it and want to make sure that it's not a more recent manufactured copy. I am also wondering what the proper base and rings that should go with this scope. I'd like to put together a correct vintage 03a4 and can buy the scope for $700 I think. Is this a good place to start or should I pass on it?
Thanks in advance,
Bob
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...5b29faa5-1.jpg
02-17-2015, 09:14 PM
Mike Haas

Bob - Re the m73b1 scope

Quote:

Originally Posted by bczandm

I have a few questions on this scope. The numbers on it are telescope, M73B1 STOCK NO. 7579931 SERIAL NO. 33615 and the number on bottom 7635029 and a number on the right side of the adjustment plate 7669611. The serial number is not stamped on like the rest and looks like it was put on with an engraving pen. It not Weaver marked, I am guessing it is a type 3. I am interested in buying it and want to make sure that it's not a more recent manufactured copy. I am also wondering what the proper base and rings that should go with this scope. I'd like to put together a correct vintage 03a4 and can buy the scope for $700 I think. Is this a good place to start or should I pass on it?
Thanks in advance,
Bob
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...5b29faa5-1.jpg

It appears to be a legit Type 3 M73B1 scope. That said I'd like to see another pic of the Data Plate showing the engraved serial # and the roll markibg on the scope tube. Your post indicates you've done your research so for $700.00 I'd say. Buy it!

Mike Haas
02-17-2015, 09:28 PM
bczandm

Here is the only other decent photo I have of it.
[IMG]http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h7...ps4bf96658.jpg[/IMG]
02-17-2015, 10:57 PM
728shooter

Surprised it doesn't have "Weaver" stamped on it somewhere......unless that was deleted on the later military scopes.....?
02-17-2015, 11:05 PM
bczandm

Quote:

Originally Posted by 728shooter

Surprised it doesn't have "Weaver" stamped on it somewhere......unless that was deleted on the later military scopes.....?

I am still learning about these but I believe the type 3's were made at the end or after the war and did not have the Weaver name on them. I'm not sure if they were made by Weaver or not. I hope to get more information/clarification here as I dont know these well and don't want to make a $700 mistake!
Bob
02-18-2015, 10:50 AM
Mike Haas

Quote:

Originally Posted by bczandm

I am still learning about these but I believe the type 3's were made at the end or after the war and did not have the Weaver name on them. I'm not sure if they were made by Weaver or not. I hope to get more information/clarification here as I dont know these well and don't want to make a $700 mistake!
Bob

Bob - The scope is a Type 3 'Weaver' M73B1. The Weaver name was dropped after Weaver began full production for the Goverment contract. Production was entirely during WW2. Original scope base & rings can be found but are Pricey when found. (Think approx 4-$500 total). Rings are often seen on ebay and are the vertical split redfield rings. The original base is the hardest to find. Its also Redfield. The 'electro-pencil' serial # should be a five (5) digit # from about 20000 or higher. A 'electro-pencil' is like a mini-arc welder. NO vibrating marker pens were ever used!
The second picture is not clear enough for me to verify if the serial # is legit.
HTH - Mike Haas
02-19-2015, 05:59 AM
rayg

I haven't seen any M73b1 scopes alone sell for less then $800 in recent years and some I have seen sold for more. Original ones are always in demand. Ray
02-19-2015, 09:32 AM
JGaynor

All variations of the M73B1 had the actual serial numbers applied with electro-pencil.

A small number of the "type 3" M73B1 Telescopes were manufactured by Frankford Arsenal.

Drawing (stock) No, 7579931 identifies the complete scope.
The other 7NNNNNN stamped drawing (stock) numbers identify specific components (data plate, tube etc).

In recent years several of this model had been found in the original GI packaging as made by Weaver. The dates applied by QC inspectors indicate early 1945 production suggesting that all these "type 3" scopes may have been acquired as spare parts.
That said they are correct for use on an M1903A4.
If the scope is in good condition $700. is a fair price IMO.
02-19-2015, 11:04 AM
Mike Haas

Somewhat odd. The scope in question just popped up on eBay today. Same picture as displayed in the OP's original post. Opening bid of $600.00, BIN $900.00. Maybe the seller read this thread.

Mike Haas
02-19-2015, 08:29 PM
Harlan (Deceased)

Good observation Mike. (I think is the link to the eBay auction you speak of)

M73B1 Sniper Scope | eBay
02-19-2015, 09:19 PM
Mike Haas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harlan

Good observation Mike. (I think is the link to the eBay auction you speak of)

M73B1 Sniper Scope | eBay

That's it Harlen. I didn't post the link because I didn't want to break any forum rules. I'm not suggesting anything nefarious. Just thought it odd or a co-inka-dink!
02-22-2015, 09:56 AM
bczandm

I passed on the purchase of the scope as I did not think the seller and I could get to a final price that was acceptable. Nice fellow and seemed very honest, we were 1,000 miles apart and I usually buy locally which was not possible in this case. I suggested GB but he was a registered Ebayer and chose that route. I hope it ends up with someone that appreciates it.

He had noted that it came off a gun that his dad had for years. The gun was sold by a brother that had passed away so there was no tracking the gun down through the family, although that was the 1st thing that came to mind!

Thanks for everyone's help and comments.
Bob
02-22-2015, 06:59 PM
Mike Haas

More pics werr necessary..

Quote:

Originally Posted by bczandm

I passed on the purchase of the scope as I did not think the seller and I could get to a final price that was acceptable. Nice fellow and seemed very honest, we were 1,000 miles apart and I usually buy locally which was not possible in this case. I suggested GB but he was a registered Ebayer and chose that route. I hope it ends up with someone that appreciates it.

He had noted that it came off a gun that his dad had for years. The gun was sold by a brother that had passed away so there was no tracking the gun down through the family, although that was the 1st thing that came to mind!

Thanks for everyone's help and comments.
Bob

A bunch of Forum members could have been able to provide more info had we had better pics/ details of the 'electro-penciled' Serial number. In either your intial post or in the 'Sellers' eBay listing. All forums opinions I saw were based on the info you received or the sellers eBay listing. The info provided in both venues limits the purchase price at $700.00 IMO.

Mike Haas