Sniper telescope or General Service

[Roger Payne]

I have one of each, IIRC the long legged one is WW2 era & the short WW1, though of course I suppose the legs on the short one might once have been long!

[rayg]

Here's a “short”, 17-1/2" tripod for the General Service Signal or Scout Regiment telescopes used for snipers I have. Stamped on one side of the metal clamp on the tripod that secures of the telescope is, Semins Bros & CO LTD, London, 1916, and a Broad Arrow and on the other side is TRIPOD TELESCOPE, No. 21, Mk5. (CIAI). (A Canadian stamp). It’s made for the two telescopes. It was an original made British long leg Tripod which was either cut down or new legs made for it as the legs have the same dia overall with no wood overhang on the end caps. It has the British broad arrow ownership stamped on the scope covers and a shorter sling with an 18" canvas center and overall length including, the leather ends of 42" that was made specifically for the shorter leg tripod.

Here's an almost mint condition Scout Regiment MkII telescope I also have, maker marked B.C. LTD &CO. Serial # 24929. OS126.O.A. with a Broad arrow. The scope has about 95% of its original blackening on the tube still remaining. The black finish on most scopes generally is missing/worn off from use with only the brass of the tube showing. The telescope is complete with a mint condition original leather carrying case with all straps.

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[Chris7171]

I have one of each, IIRC the long legged one is WW2 era & the short WW1, though of course I suppose the legs on the short one might once have been long!

Yep, I think the sort legs on mine were once long, may have been shorted for easier use by a spotter/sniper? There is one for sale here in NZ at the moment (short leg) fitted with one adjustable leg which may have been fitted later?

[Son]

On the subject of the Stand, Instrument, No21 MkV.... Was the short leg version an official type or are all the ones we see been cut down for use by range shooters prone on the mound?
I looked through the LoC ages ago but don't recal seeing anything on the subject. The stand I have is over two feet tall and in unused cond. I will stick up a pic when I get home, I have a pic somewhere of one with a Tel Sct Regt in it in an observation post on the side of a mountain.

Edit to add pics... on the topic of caring for your telescope in the stand, I have added pieces of adhesive backed felt to the clamps and do not tighten it right up to ensure I don't damage the telescope.

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Just out of interest, I found the LoC entry for the introduction of the "Telescope, scout regiments (Mark I) L" dated 15 Oct 1923

Aluminium, magnification 22; fireld of view 98 minutes; in leather case with strap and sling.

Introduction

A pattern of the above mentioned telescope has been approved to govern manufacture for Land Service as may be ordered.
The telescope is for use of Scout regiments, and is generally similar to the "Telescope, signalling, Mark IV (LoC 17061) from which it differs principally in the following particulars-
The body and draw tubes are made of aluminium
It has only one power, viz, 22 diameters
The field of view is 98 minutes
A leather case, with sling, is provided for carying the telescope
Weight of telescope, in case, 2-lb 6-oz approximately.

I note the reference to "Signalling" and not "signallers" in the text- brought up earlier in the thread somewhere.... unfortunately Ian's extract from the LoC do not seem to cover telescopes, so I cannot check out the reference above.

[Bindi2]

That looks like a range stand to me. Adjustable rear leg for the slope of the mound.

[rayg]

Here's a couple of old long posts with lots of discussion and interesting info on Tripods. Son contributed some posts in them and so did I in one of them. Ray

Signalling Telescope Stands (Tripods), - Miscellaneous - Great War Forum

Scout Regiment tripod [Archive] - Military Surplus Collectors Forums