1918 to 1945

 

This is the last prototype version of the PE scope which was only different from the later serial production model by a different elevation adjustment. It comes with the original mount (very first mounts only had numbers on them, no letters). Scopes with this type of elevation adjustment were made in 1932 and 1933. The original manufacturer markings were scrubbed by a previous owner, most possibly already when brought back as war trophy.

 

This rare rifle is one of the only 500 Finnish M39/43 sniper rifles ever made. Note the “combination” of the German scope with the “German style SSR lever and pin” on the base with the “Russian style middle mount”.

 

 

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This scope was made by Carl Zeiss in Jena. The Zielvier 4×81 model characteristics were used as a standard for the “ZF39” denomination. Following its meter dial and serial number, this scope was probably used by the Reichswehr in the late 20’s or early 30’s.

Below you can see two pictures both showing German snipers using K98k mounted with Zeiss Zielvier scopes on turret mount.

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PU sniper scope made in 1943 at the Progress plant factory. The different meter dial fonts on both adjustment turrets and the “CB” mark mean that this scope was originally made for SVT40 but has been modified later to be mounted on Mosin Nagant 91/30

 

Here is a ground-dug K.Kahles 4×60 wearing the war-code “cad”. The recoil ring tells that this scope was mounted on its K98k with a LSR mount. To some people, these dug scopes are just a piece of junk. For me these items are really interesting. While we’re seeing more and more fakes in our small collecting world, these pieces coming from the ground don’t lie on their history.

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Here we have an early I.O.R. 4,25 x 28 sniper scope used on VZ.24 rifles. I.O.R. is the acronym for Întreprinderea Optică Română (Romanian Optical Enterprise). This major optics company established in 1936 in Bucharest, Romania.

 

W.R. Weaver Co. Mod. M73B1 sniper scope used on Remington or Springfield 1903 A4 rifles. This scope was originally the civilian Weaver 330 mod. C scope, slightly modified for sniper use during WWII.

Below : an excellent quality picture showing PFC Edward Foley with the 36th division (Italy 1944), holding his 1903A4 mounted with a Weaver M73B1 scope.

 

SSR Hensoldt Wetzlar Dialytan 4x

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This is an early reworked G98 configuration with SSR mount (type 2) used by the SS.  We “often” see Ajack 4×90 scopes with this SS configuration but Hensoldt 4x scopes are much more uncommon, even more with matching mount and/or rifle. Note the typical SS runes on the elevation turret and the rifle serial number reported on the scope main tube. Collection and pictures : Dave Roberts

 

 

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Another rare PEM scope also made in 1943, during the siege of Leningrad. Note the simplified Smirnskiy mount, expedient canvas lens covers and brass tube, roughly made of loose parts due to the lack of materials and machinery during the siege.

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SS Dienstglas Ajack 4×90

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Early civilian Ajack 4×90 scope modified to be used by the Waffen SS snipers. These scopes were used on reworked G98 rifles with SSR mount. Note the typical SS 1-3 meter dial and the rifle numbed engraved on the scope main tube. On the other side of the elevation turret should be a skull and cross bones along with SS runes and the marking “Diesntglas” but it was erased post-war on this scope.

 

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Here is a very uncommon rifle scope made by the Société Belge d’optique (Gand) and used on Belgian Mauser 1935 or 1936. Unfortunately, I was not able to find a lot of information about this scope. Feel free to contact me if you can help, thank’s.