My No 32 Mk2 Scope

[Dens-Mil]

Hi all, my first post with my No32 Mk2 scope.

I just bought it over here in Holland at a militaria show, and I was wondering if anyone can help me finding out what date the scope is?

The bracked is marked with C35636

Information

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[rgg_7]

U.I. C. is Vickers who manufactured MK1 and MK2/1 scopes. I don't have any info on MK2 however OS 1650A is the correct designation for a MK2 scope.
C35646 is a 1944 BSA Shirley serial number, so it's from the common family of sniper rifle conversions. Can't conclude much else from your info. Maybe other members can tell you a little more.

[Dens-Mil]

Hi rgg_7,

thanks for the info, I also found out that Vickers made the Mk1 en Mk2/1.

I hope other members can help me.

Dennis

[Amatikulu]

The number on the bracket is the serial number of a rifle to which the bracket was fitted.

C35636 was a serial number issued to a BSA made rifle, but I can't tell you from that what year it was made.

The serial number on the scope, and the maker as well as the "OS1650 A" code suggest it is one of a thousand scoped made by Vickers to the Mark 2 specification. These first appeared in April of 1943. The Mark 2/1 came out in November of 1944 so it seems logical that your scope was made between this period.

[Nigel]

The scope appears to be an interesting variation. Vickers only made Mk1 and Mk2/1 scopes - the latter designated OS1400GA. However this one is clearly marked as a Mk2 (OS1650GA) but it is fitted with Mk3 drums - which is what happened to the Mk2/1 scopes. Given that the serial number of the scope is so low - 29 out of only 1000, I can only think that at this early stage in production they had not been asked to use the new designation of OS1400GA. Judging by the picture of scope No. 43 they had resolved this designation issue very early in the production run. It seems to be missing its rear thumb screw - I've got some spare if required. Failing that I'd be happy to buy the scope!

[Peter Laidler]

UIC indicates United Instrument Co who were a group ofsmall sub contractors who did loads of the smaller piece work for Vickers, bought together just for the war. TYheir serial number issue batch was 1 to 1000 but we really don't know where they got up to!

When we modified/upgraded Mk2 scopes to Mk2/1, we would bar through the 1650 number and insert 1400 GA and mark the /1 after the Mk2..

There is a way of telling whether a UI Mk2/1 is an original Mk2/1 or one that has been upograded from Mk2 to 2/1 but I won't tell all..............

[Dens-Mil]

UIC indicates United Instrument Co who were a group ofsmall sub contractors who did loads of the smaller piece work for Vickers, bought together just for the war. TYheir serial number issue batch was 1 to 1000 but we really don't know where they got up to!

When we modified/upgraded Mk2 scopes to Mk2/1, we would bar through the 1650 number and insert 1400 GA and mark the /1 after the Mk2..

There is a way of telling whether a UI Mk2/1 is an original Mk2/1 or one that has been upograded from Mk2 to 2/1 but I won't tell all..............

OK I get it, I have to buy one of you books If not you can tell it to me, your secret is safe with me.

Anyway thanks for this info allready, it is a great help.

[Peter Laidler]

Don't worry Dens, I haven't mentioned it in the book either! It was something we learned from our EMER's But the book is a very good read anyway and deserves a place on your book shelf. Or buy TWO for good measure .............

[jmoore]

What's a bit odd is that the turrets are the 2/1 style. (No tool needed to adjust scales.)

[Surpmil]

What's a bit odd is that the turrets are the 2/1 style. (No tool needed to adjust scales.)

That's the whole idea isn't it?

Looks to be in the original bracket and never removed from the staking of the screws.

What is that thing obstructing the rear 'thumbscrew' hole?

Looks like your ocular lens cell needs screwing in, and someone gave it quick respray but didn't infill the numbers on the scales.

Nice find!