U.I.C no32 Mk1 scope no.1005

[desperatedan]

A UIC (Vickers) scope sold yesterday in the UK. It’s a Mk1 dated 1943 and numbered 1005. I understand UIC scopes are rare and of those aren’t the Mk1s rarest of all?
According to the seller the scope is all complete and serviceable apart from a couple of missing screws. It’s just the scope, no bracket or tin but it looked very original with some surface corrosion.

I read from PLs little book that the UIC Mk1s were numbered 1-1000 but interestingly this one is numbered 1005 and has the words “TEST TEL” written on it in what would’ve originally been white paint. I was keen to bid on it but as a scope on its own it got too rich for me.
I can’t seem to post pictures as I’m on an iPad at the moment but will try and add some later.

Information

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[Roger Payne]

I was the under bidder on it. It went for 1551.01 IIRC (50 GBP over my max). I was interested because of it being unusual. It bore the stencilling on it; it bore a surprisingly high serial number, as you have indicated DD; it was DATED 1943 (I've never ever heard of that before on a UIC); & it lacked the OS 466A Optical Stores part number, which is usually marked as a matter of course. I corresponded with the seller, who is into aeronautical militaria, & he bought a job lot of aviation related gear, the scope being a lucky find amongst it all. Maybe a scope used in the factory for QC purposes???

[Roger Payne]

Saved these photo's on my laptop.

[MJ1]

Thank you for the pictures Roger, I have only seen one other example pictured before.

[Roger Payne]

I've had a few UIC's over the years, but have never seen one marked like this.....

ATB

[desperatedan]

Thanks for the added info and pics Roger. It’s a shame you were pipped at the post. It would be nice if the successful bidder is also a member on here and we get to hear more of it. As you say it’s an unusual scope.

[Micheal Doyne]

Attachment 116978

That is an interesting scope. I have a mk3 with model maked on it. I was lead to understand they where used as quality control models for testing by some manufacturers. Here is a photo of the marking on mine.