No. 32 MK III Lens Cap Authentication?

[thrawnformbi]

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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Information

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[Surpmil]

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.

[smle addict]

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.

[paul87buick]

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

[Roy W]

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

[Roger Payne]

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.

[tr63]

It was cut short to allow for the lens caps to be easier removed !

[thrawnformbi]

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 ----------

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 Library 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

[smle addict]

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?

[Surpmil]

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 Library 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!