Gunbroker auction. Considered and decided to ask a question about this one.

[Peter Laidler]

HOW MUCH.................? I seem to recall reading in some old pre-war pre EMER's (but not Instructions For Armourers), that these F sights were simply converted from standard sights by the gun trade - or very probably, several members of the gun trade because the sight came as a unit and component parts were said to be not interchangeable. That usually indicates a degree of non-interchangeability - or certainly fine hand fitting in my view - if the No32's are anything to go by!

If that is the case, and looking at the most ridiculous prices achieved, then I'm at a loss as to why they haven't been re-produced. It should be an absolute doddle for any tool/pattern maker or competent bench fitter

[Warren]

I suppose I should add to the above thread that on one of my (F) sights you can see where some of the original number has been milled away to make room for the thumb wheel. Fulton's made some up a a number of years ago but the serrations on the thumb wheel are different.
The one in Clives book with the "nose knocker" rear sight is also here and it, unfortunately does not have an (F) sight, just the nose knocker as it was found about 60 years ago.

[Promo]

Warren, what is the strange thing on the rifle below behind the "ears" of the rear sight?

[newcastle]

Looks like a PH5B sight base to me.

[Warren]

You are correct, it is a 5B. Apparently it was fitted during WW II according to the story when I got with the rifle. I have the complete sight.
The rifle is the one pictured in Without Warning without the scope mounted and just the 5B PH sight.

[jmoore]

I note that the rifle did not sell, again. I wonder if the sight's number was lined through? It would add a little to the notion that this rifle was a "true" sniper, but...

[Peter Laidler]

Just a question that needs asking. Regarding the number on the sight leaf........., are these a rifle number that would match a P'14 rifle somewhere or are they just a sight/mating/works or similar number such as that seen on the mating parts of a PH5 for example?

[jmoore]

Just a question that needs asking. Regarding the number on the sight leaf........., are these a rifle number that would match a P'14 rifle somewhere or are they just a sight/mating/works or similar number such as that seen on the mating parts of a PH5 for example?

In reference to the special aperture rear sight with fine adjustment screw on the top, they were all Winchester made and converted by the British. All had the original Winchester rifle serial number on the back (as per unconverted Winchester sights). If Serial No. is barred out, it means that sights were taken off rifles, converted at Enfield, and then the sights were sent to WW1 sniping schools to retro fit on existing rifles at the school. If Serial No. is not barred out, then the same conversion process occurred, but the sight was put back on the original rifle held at Enfield. From the 30 or so that I have seen the ratio of barred out to not barred is 70:30 The giveaway on the fakes is a slightly larger adjustment knob with cross checkering. Real ones like the one mounted on the rifle which is the subject of this Knowledge Library entry (see pics below), have vertical lines on the knob...

(Feedback by "Nigel Greenaway")

Here's the exerpt of the excerpt from Post #9.