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Contributing Member
PPCo 1918 scope pouch - with snipers name on it
Purchased this one a longer time ago in the US, it finally arrived today. It is very interesting in that it has a name and even a town written on the scope pouch - and this inscription even survived in better condition than the rifle number stamped.
It fully reads as:
G.F. McCoull
Tyne View
Prudhoe
Fellow member Simon already helped me and identified the address as Tyne View Terrace in Prudhoe, Western of Newcastle. He even managed to find a George McCoull who was born in Prudhoe in 1899 or 1900 (different years listed) who later became a "Doctor of Medicine". It would fit, because when the No. 3 (T) was actually issued it would had been 1917 - he could had been 17/18 by that and going straight to war with his new sniper rifle.
Anyone has more information to be found on this person? Plus before I forget: the rifle number is tough to make out, but I would read #77026. If anyone now comes up with the matching scope/mount to this pouch ..... 
PS: the pouch still contains the brush in the lid as well!
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07-09-2021 04:29 PM
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Advisory Panel
It would be very unlikely for a sniper to put his name and address on any part of his equipment in wartime. Much more likely that the said Mr. McCoull was using the case to hold some other telescope or even something quite unrelated to its original purpose.
It is certainly very unusual to see a WWI issue case for the No.3(T) however, and unless Mr. McCoull owned it much later in life, perhaps after WWII, it does beg the question of whether all the No3(T) rifles were in fact retained for future use after WWI?
Otherwise, how would such a case be in private hands before the post-WWII disposals?
“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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I have three cases with the names of individuals on them, & a couple more that just bear a unit marking (26th Bn RF & 2nd Bn Coldstreams). However, I only believe that one of the three names may date from WW1 & represent the name of the individual sniper to whom it was issued (his service number is also included). It is an example that has been mentioned on here before; a leather case for an Aldis scope with H&H rings named to an Abner Blythe of 8th Bn KOYLI. The Model 1918 scope case that I have bears the name of EGB Reynolds (also mentioned on here before), but I have little doubt that it was added after WW1, & possibly quite a bit later than WW1. It is of interest primarily because of who he was. I've not mentioned it before but I also have a WW1 era Watts scope on period mounts that came with a base that fits a MLE, the case being named & addressed to a Scottish Colonel. A fascinating piece, but the identification probably dates from the 1920's.
Hope this is of interest.
Last edited by Roger Payne; 07-11-2021 at 05:33 AM.
Reason: typo
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I also have an interesting piece being a boxed MARTIN'S Galilean sight with a regimental number and a partial name on the outside of box.
Under the baize lining was the full name and again the regimental number.
I was able to find the WW1 records of the owner who was listed as a Sharpshooter in the Sherwood Foresters (and NOT Robin Hood)
Items like that turn my crank.......
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Advisory Panel
Gents, I know of course that snipers like other soldiers did sometimes put their names on scope cases etc, I've had at least one myself, (Busch Visar), but one's home address is not part of a soldier's identity; whereas his service number, rank, regt. etc. are.
When you have none of the latter pieces of information, combined with a home address, one has either a very simple-minded fellow or a civilian.
Certainly the handwriting qualifies Mr. McCoull for a medical career, but simple-mindedness would not!
Last edited by Surpmil; 07-10-2021 at 06:37 PM.
“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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Thank You to Surpmil For This Useful Post:
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Oh, I don't know...........his handwriting looks far too legible for him to be a medic!
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Moderator
(M1 Garand/M14/M1A Rifles)
So, how are Geordies as sharpshooters, anyway? I ask because I come from an area that is known for its marksmen.
Bob
"It is said, 'Go not to the elves for counsel for they will say both no and yes.' "
Frodo Baggins to Gildor Inglorion, The Fellowship of the Ring
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