Genuine scope or Aged repro?

[Roy W]

I can see the bracket is a repro, the tin looks like a repro that has been painted over and aged. How about the scope?

They have failed to show a photo of the naming/engraving which is a big alarm bell, but someone is already £750 into it!

Any tell tale signs on the scope?

https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/a...1-ab5a01260318

[smle addict]

Scope looks to be the real deal. From what font and serial # I can see, it looks like an early Houghton-Butcher Mk 1. Looks like someone threw some paint on it. And I have no idea what the small screws are just forward of the turrets. Possibly to fit a different objective assembly?

You're spot on regarding the repro mount. The tin doesn't have enough dents in it for me, or any manufacturers markings, so I think you are correct about it being a repro as well.

[Surpmil]

"Incredibly rare", in fact I've never seen another with the three funky little screws behind the objective shade, and the fact that the objective shade locking screw itself is missing fits with the aforementioned suggestion that the whole reticule assembly is some sort of bodge-up. Never seen unit markings on the inside of a scope case either on which we find the "scrubbed with a wire brush" patina commonly associated with Commando issue you know! No.32 MkI HBM Co. No.9718 if anyone really wants that one.

[Roy W]

I contacted the auction house advising them about the bracket and tin and asking for more pictures of the scope, in particular the engraving......................................... they never responded

[P51Mustang]

I am sure the auction house has heard similar questins from others and is just going to let the bidding go as it may.....

[desperatedan]

I did get a reply from the auctioneers yesterday with a picture I asked for attached below. However they made no comment when I also pointed out that the mount was a repro and likely the tin too!

[desperatedan]

The scope didn't sell. Auctioneer opened for bids at £2,000 (given their estimate at £1,500 to £2,500), then worked his way down to £1,250 but got no bids so lot was passed.

[Surpmil]

Might work on ePay, but not sure how well that'll work in a sales room.