Early M73B1 for 1903A4

[Nigel]

This is the 2nd early 1st batch M73B1 scope that I have acquired in the UK. I put that down to the fact that the first units to be issued these rifles were the Rangers and Paratroopers/Glider Infantry and they spent quite a bit of time in England before D-Day and returned afterwards to get ready for Arnhem. I believe this is one of the first 200 scopes that came from existing commercial Weaver 330C manufacturer/dealer stock that were electro pencilled with M73B1 and a Serial No. (a Weaver stock number). The serial no. is 9678. The style of the engraving is exactly the same as the one I had previously - both were languishing on .22 rifles. Any input from any more knowledgeable members would be most welcome. Personally I think it is genuine.

[JGaynor]

Is the reticle a tapered post or a cross-wire?

[JGaynor]

I believe your scope is quite possibly an original. However, Its much more likely that an early production rifle(and scope) would have been sent to the Pacific theatre. Also very early scopes would not have been marked with GI nomenclature (model no., serial no.) Gi Stock numbers were not used on M73B1's until the tail end of production.