ww2 sniper Archives - Sniper scopes from 1900 to 1945

Welcome !

This website is dedicated to the equipment of sharpshooters from the past century and from all nations, particularly during the WWI and WWII.

This site aims to contribute to the common knowledge on the subject, based on collectible items, historical documents and period photographs.

The information presented here is not infallible and is by no means exhaustive. It is based on personal observations as well as the excellent research work of dedicated and passionate collectors.

To learn more about their valuable work, feel free to visit the “Links” section. For any suggestions, corrections, additional information or questions, don’t hesitate to contact us via the “Contact” section.

Disclaimer:

This website is in no way intended to glorify hatred, racism, or any form of ideology. Its sole purpose is to share historical items from various collections around the world for educational and documentary purposes.

Updates :

10-08-2025 : Romanian I.O.R scope on Vz.24

03-08-2025 : Weaver M73B1 scope evolution

01-08-2025 : ZF41 carrying cans evolution

P. Köhler Berlin sniper/police scope on SSR mount

Here is a P. Köhler scope on short side rail (SSR) mount. This civilian scope was “militarized” by adding the rifle serial on the scope and on the mount. This set was most likely used by military police before the World War II or by the SS.

K. Kahles Wien cad sniper scope on high turret mount

This ZF39 type scope was made by K. Kahles in Wien. These 4×60 sniper scopes were given the code “cad” during WWII. They were used on SSR, LSR and high turret mounts (like this one).

Nicaracuan K.Kahles H/4×60 Hämmerli K.31 mount

For once, this is not a WW1 or WW2 sniper scope. This K.Kahles H/4×60 scope with side mount was part of a Nicaracuan Contract and mounted on Hämmerli K.31 sniper rifles (only 100 were ordered).

Opticotechna Lovec 4x sniper scope and SSR mount

This civilian Optikotechna Lovec 4x rifle scope was added a 100-800m meter dial and a sunshade (missing here) to make it usable by the military. This one is mounted on a SSR mount

Opticotechna Dialytan 4x dow sniper scope

Opticotechna 4x dow sniper scope with very low serial number, used by the SS during WWII

Hensoldt Wetzlar Dialytan 4x “bmj” , used with single claw mount

J. Schneider Kreuznach dkl sniper scope high turret mount

Dialytan 4x sniper scope on high turret mount. The code “dkl” stands for the manufacturer Josef Schneider Optische Werke in Bad-Kreuznach. The rear foot shows the “RW” proof stamp.

ZF39 Leather protection caps WaA414

Leather protection caps used on ZF39-type scopes during WWII. WaA414 refers to Hensoldt & Sohne Optische Werke A-G, Wetzlar from 1939 to 1942

K. Kahles Wien cad sniper scope

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. But these ground pieces don’t lie on their history and sometimes bring very interesting details.