ww1 sniper scope made by Periscope Prism Company Ltd London

[Andrew Mclean]

Hello all. I was looking for some in formation on an oldscope of my families when I found this site. My name is Andrew McLean I live in Guyra NSW Australia.
To cut to the chase. I have what i believe to be a ww1 sniper scope made by Periscope Prism Company Ltd London. it has no marks on it at all, except for the manufacturesrs name and a broard arrow, Military, just behind the range drum( as I now know what it is called). It was on a Savage 32-20 with Parker Hale England mounts. the rifle belonged to my great or great great grandfather (not sure exactly) both rifle and scope are working perfectly, I have removed the scope and fitted a modern one. The scope is in good condition and looks as good as the one in "Badger's" strip down article. It appears to have been on another rifle by the paint pattern in the barrel of the scope. From what I can determin it was on a side mount probably the same as the one I have seen of ww1 snipers.
Not sure what to do with it as it has been in a box in my gun cabinet for the last few years. everything on the scope works and moves freely.
My main question is should I sell it, for how much and where, or should I just put it back in the cabinet as unuseful memorabillia. I understand it may have some significance to some people, thats why I joined this group.
If your group could give me some indications I would be most obliged. thank you Andrew Mclean

Information

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[Roger Payne]

Hello Andrew,
Welcome to the forum. I sounds like you have a Periscopic Prism Co scope of 1915/16 vintage that would almost certainly originally have been fitted in an offset dovetail type side mount on a Mk3 or Mk3* SMLE. All of the SMLE snipers were ordered to be stripped down for salvageable parts just after WW1 & most scopes were sold off as surplus (though a few (mainly Aldis types) were kept against future need). Consequently original rifles are virtually unobtainable, & whilst commoner, even scopes are quite scarce & sought after by people like me! If the scope bears its original rings it will have considerably greater value than if not, but even a 'ringless' scope is of some value.

Nobody can tell you what you should do with this item. I would always give it a home, but I am a collector of WW1 sniping equipment. In your case I think it must come down to whether the scope has any sentimental value to you, with it being a family heirloom of sorts. If it does, then I'd keep it. However, if it means little to you & you would prefer to buy yourself a new rifle (or whatever) with what the scope would bring if you sold it........then perhaps that is the way to go.
If you are purely concerned with maximising what you get then I guess 'that internet auction site' (!!) is the place to put it on.
As an idea of value, I bought an example of exactly this type of scope last week. It was complete with rings, but had one of the little capstans missing & a few other issues that needed sorting out (though nothing too serious - it's with my scope repairer now). I paid a little over 600 pounds (UK) for it. But bear in mind it had its original rings on it which makes a considerable difference to the price.

I hope this helps.

ATB.