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Thread: No. 32 MK III Lens Cap Authentication?

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  1. #1
    Contributing Member thrawnformbi's Avatar
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    No. 32 MK III Lens Cap Authentication?

    Hello chaps - saw this set sell on eBay today for $200 and wanted to get your take on their authenticity. I can't seem to find any information on the B.L. G.L. marking. They're obviously properly saddle stitched but I know there are folks here that can spot fakes a mile away.

    How do they look to you?

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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

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    Advisory Panel Surpmil's Avatar
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    Have never seen a front cap so short; has it been cut short by someone?

    Not a maker I'm familiar with, but overall looks genuine.
    “There are invisible rulers who control the destinies of millions. It is not generally realized to what extent the words and actions of our most influential public men are dictated by shrewd persons operating behind the scenes.”

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    Much changes, much remains the same.

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    Contributing Member smle addict's Avatar
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    It looks legitimate, but I have never heard of that maker either. I think it might be "BLG Ltd" rather than "B.L.G.L"

    The ones I have are marked BHG, which is "Barrow, Hepburn and Gale, Ltd." I've got a few that are dated 1941 and 1945.
    Last edited by smle addict; 05-16-2021 at 11:43 PM.

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    Legacy Member paul87buick's Avatar
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    Looks like the leather isnt very old it does not have any age to it a bit of wear yes but not a lot of age i would say 1980 or newer probably reproduction . just my opinion though

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    Legacy Member Roy W's Avatar
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    The front cap has been crudely cut with a sharp knife to reduce it's depth for some reason

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    I've never really studied lens caps, but all of the originals that I can recall seeing had the markings stamped into the leather as per smleaddict's photo., regardless of what those markings were, even broad arrows were impressed into the leather. I've not come across ink stamps on these before. I wonder if the marking, at least, might be recent......but just an impression.

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    Legacy Member tr63's Avatar
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    It was cut short to allow for the lens caps to be easier removed !

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    Contributing Member thrawnformbi's Avatar
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    Thread Starter
    Quote Originally Posted by tr63 View Post
    It was cut short to allow for the lens caps to be easier removed !
    Was this a common in theater practice or simply a civilian shortcut?

    ---------- Post added at 10:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:22 PM ----------

    Quote Originally Posted by Roger Payneicon View Post
    I've never really studied lens caps, but all of the originals that I can recall seeing had the markings stamped into the leather as per smleaddict's photo., regardless of what those markings were, even broad arrows were impressed into the leather. I've not come across ink stamps on these before. I wonder if the marking, at least, might be recent......but just an impression.
    Cheers gents,

    Interestingly here’s a link to one of the very helpful Knowledge Libraryicon articles that shows an identical lens cap with inked makers mark and all. I wonder if it’s possible to confirm if that one was original?

    https://www.milsurps.com/enfield.php?pg=ri10a.htm

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    Contributing Member smle addict's Avatar
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    Interesting thread. I started typing in all combinations of the lettering and stumbled across this 2013 from icollector. A 1945 scope cover marked like yours.

    World War II Enfield No. 4 MKI (T) Sniper Rifle with Scope, Mount, Canvas Scope Case and Wooden Stor


    Still no luck as to who BLGL is (or was). Perhaps a small contractor who has since disappeared and is now lost to history?

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    Quote Originally Posted by thrawnformbi View Post
    Was this a common in theater practice or simply a civilian shortcut?

    ---------- Post added at 10:25 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:22 PM ----------



    Cheers gents,

    Interestingly here’s a link to one of the very helpful Knowledge Libraryicon articles that shows an identical lens cap with inked makers mark and all. I wonder if it’s possible to confirm if that one was original?

    https://www.milsurps.com/enfield.php?pg=ri10a.htm
    Photos exist showing the strap tied or taped to the scope tube in front of the turrets. This would prevent the caps being lost, but also prevents the sliding forward of the objective lens cap which is necessary to remove it, unless perhaps shortened similar to this?

    That said, this set if they even are genuine, do not look like they ever had service use.

    Could just be a manufacturing defect!
    “There are invisible rulers who control the destinies of millions. It is not generally realized to what extent the words and actions of our most influential public men are dictated by shrewd persons operating behind the scenes.”

    Edward Bernays, 1928

    Much changes, much remains the same.

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