Periscopic Prism Scope

[mr.e moose]

Well today I had the good fortune of acquiring a PP co. scope at a auction. Glass is clear and the range drum and capstans move freely. My question is, is there a source for a reproduction mount? I have seen in the past that DRP has posted that he had a repro mount but where would one find one?

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[Lee Enfield]

Well today I had the good fortune of acquiring a PP co. scope at a auction. Glass is clear and the range drum and capstans move freely. My question is, is there a source for a reproduction mount? I have seen in the past that DRP has posted that he had a repro mount but where would one find one?

Dave, I'll trade you my ppco scope for yours...I don't think I can see thru mine...

[Promo]

It would be good to know which PPCo scope you have, to know which mount to suggest. As you might be aware they had a larger scope for the SMLE sniper, but also the smaller type for the P.14 sniper.

[Roger Payne]

I am currently looking in to getting a few more PPCo mounts made, but we are still just at the discussion stage so far - nothing will happen for some months at best. However, when I had the last batch done a few friends had some as well, so I can always ask around if Mr emoose would like! PM me if you'd like me to pursue it.....

Incidentally, as Promo says, there are two distinct types of sniper scope that were made by the PPCo during WW1 - I tend to refer to the earlier model as 'the PPCo' & the later one as 'the Model 1918' (its official designation), as this serves to lessen the potential for confusion. (In fact both designs were cribbed from the Germans - the earlier scope for the SMLE was an anglicised & slightly modified Fuess Helios 3 & the Model 1918 was derived from the Hensoldt 'light' telescopic sight).

[mr.e moose]

This scope is definitely the early larger version with the stepped ocular for the SMLE and not the model of 1918. The range drum appears backwards from examples that I have seen.This is in as found condition and will need some TLC, I just wish that whoever had it didn't steel wool the patina off of it.

[Ridolpho]

Mr. Moose: Was that at a local Alberta auction that you found that?

Ridolpho

[mr.e moose]

Yes, I picked it up at the Bud Haynes/Ward's auction this past weekend here in Edmonton. I was afraid it was going to go for much more than what I paid but the internet bidders suddenly dropped out and I was the only one there that was interested.

[maxman]

While on the subject of PP scopes, I've had one for a number of years and have finally decided to have it mounted on a period-correct SMLE. The leather case was marked to rifle J2015 but then re-stamped to rifle P8498. The scope itself is in very good condition and complete with the end caps - it also came with a base which I assume is a reproduction but looks excellent.
Does anyone know what size of screw would be correct to fasten the base to the receiver?

Also, I have a 5-power Fidgelands scope that is faintly broad-arrow marked on the ocular end.
I do have the Skennerton book, but would like to find out how these were mounted if anyone has any information?

[Roger Payne]

You need 5 x 5BA screws, a tap, & the core diameter drill.

I also have a Fidjland scope but mine doesn't bear the upper mount. From drawings it would seem that the upper mount locates down over a rail on the rifle. There is a very poor quality photo in 'The British Sniper' of a scope that appears to bear its top mount, but the detail is almost impossible to make out.

[Surpmil]

The steel wool effect was someone trying to remove the ring marks and perhaps some solder; seeing as someone has soldered the screw hole which locks the ocular cell housing to the tube.

One thing PPCo. had going for them was that adjustable scale on the range drum; if it didn't get knocked loose. Some of these are seen with scales for MkVI ball, so presumably those scopes were mounted to CLLE's.