Not talking about sealant around the adjustment plate. The plate itself, the adjusting knobs, and the serial number all look painted over.
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Not talking about sealant around the adjustment plate. The plate itself, the adjusting knobs, and the serial number all look painted over.
IMO I have to agree with "Johnny". Those sections appear painted. Biggest giveaway on that is the "buggered" Data Plate screw at 11 O'Clock. Paint is in the bottom of the slot with only edgewear on top.
As Chuck(inDenver) said the sealent appears "disturbed" at least, which is entirely consistant with the "Data Plate" having been removed.
Next, IMO is the appearence of the scope serial # 29466 engraving on the scope tube has problems:
A - The numbers "29466" appear IMO to be approx. twice as large as they
should be.
B - The numbers "29466" as engraved run "down-hill" from left to right.
Uncommon in my observations of undisputed originals. The structure
of the numeral lettering is "off" some as well.
C - This is where I'm a "tad" uncertain: I'm suspicous of the tool used to
engrave the Serial #.
IMO this scope isn't "Superb" or "Original". At best it's been "rebuilt" at least once and may have a "suspect" Serial # applied.