1944 Sniper Observers Scope Cmk1

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1944 Sniper Observers Scope Cmk1

1944 Canadian Telescope, Observing, Sniper's Cmk1
c/w with Case, Telescope Observing Snipers and Stand, Instrument Cno47mk1
(Mfg by R.E.L "Research Enterprises Ltd.", Leaside Ontario, Canada)

Late in the war, Research Enterprises Ltd (REL) was given the project of manufacturing a replacement for the Telescope, Scout Regiment, which dated back to the Great War. The telescopes were part of the CES for the Enfield no4mk1(T) sniper rifles. By the time the new telescope was ready for production, the British had deleted the telescope requirement and instead substituted binoculars. Canada ordered 500 for it's own use, along with 500 of the unique folding telescope stands.

The telescope was a single draw type with a sunshade. External surfaces were covered with an olive colored vinylite and the scope was rated at 25X power, with an adjustable eyepiece. The waterproofing of the telescope was thought to be superior to the Scout Regt Scope.

It featured a unique carrying case which held the telescope in place by rubber blocks. Tightening the large wing screw on the end tightened the caps together to form a moisture proof container. The container was also coated in the olive vinylite. A similar case was shown in the Enfield parts manual as issued for the Cno67 rifle scopes (carrying case, Cno19mk1) and post war, for the FNC1 sniper scope.

Both the telescopes and carrying cases were uniquely serial numbered, although it does not appear that attempts were made to match the scopes and cases. In the examples shown, the telescope is serial # 180-C while the case is serial # 405-C. The telescope shown was dated 1944 while the case was dated 1945. Despite reports that the telescopes were for Canadian service, and not accepted into British service, both items have the British Broad arrow property mark.

The Stand, Instrument, Cno47MK. 1 Was also built by REL and designed to fold up and fit within the standard 37 pattern utility pouch. The stand includes a fine elevation adjustment, while any course adjustments merely slip past the adjuster. The utility pouch shown is the longer Mk3 pouch, meant for the sten magazines. The standard pouch was slightly shorter.

Stands observed have been in the dark olive green color, as well as in a much lighter leaf green. The stands observed in the leaf green have appeared un-issued and may be later production or refurbishment.

More detailed information on these telescope's can be found in Clive Law's book "Without Warning". While Mr. Law's booklet states that the telescopes were too late for wartime use, the telescope photographed here came from Holland, where it was reported as being gifted by a Canadian to a local wartime photographer at the end of hostilities.

Estimated Value: In the past 2 years, at least 5 of these telescopes have sold through eBay. Prices for the telescopes have ranged from a low of about $650 US, to a high of around $1500 US. One telescope was also sold in pieces, and sold for over $300. With a production of only 500, they should be considered rare.

"Please leave comments at bottom of album pages"

Date(s): January 29, 2006. Album by stencollector. Photos by stencollector. 1 - 18 of 18 Total. 2010 Visits.

1 The stand, instrument Cno47 mk1 and the Sniper's Observing Telescope, Cmk1, stowed in their appropriate cases.	2 Stand folded and placed into the mk3 Utility pouch.	3 Folded stand in front of a mk3 Utility pouch. The stand was an improvement over the earlier British telescope tripod, no21 mk5, which is much longer and clumsier.	4 Markings on the leg of the stand. The markings have been highlighted with chalk, and would otherwise be subdued. Stands have also been observed in a lime green colour.
5 The stand in it's folded position.	6 Legs in their unfolded position.	7 The stand in it's unfolded position. The rubber pads can be seen on the clamping arms. The clamps are universal in their diameter, and could be used with other telescopes.	8 The top of the telescope case features a large thumbscrew, which, when tightened, compresses an internal cup against an O ring located on the bottom half of the case, resulting in a moistureproof container.
9 Description and part number for the telescope case. Description has been highlighted with chalk, and would otherwise be more subdued.	10 Makers mark, date, and serial number of the telescope case. British property mark is to the right, despite the telescopes being exclusively for Canadian service.	11 Photo showing the description and part number of the telescope	12 Makers ID, date, and serial number of the telescope. The British /l\ property mark is located to the right.
13 The telescope is held in place on the stand by a pair of spring loaded clamps featuring rubber pads. The stand's elevation knob can be seen just below the cradle.	14 The Cmk1 telescope with it's single draw and sunshade extended. The eyepiece is adjustable for focus. The stand is adjustable for height, and is presently in a lower position.	15 The markings on the telescope case. The cases were serialised.	16 The telescope stowed in the case with the cap removed. Once the lid was on, the telescope is very well protected from both shock and moisture.
17 Closeup of the telescope nomenclature.	18 Here's a link to another Cmk1 Observers Scope. Milsurp.com member ~Angel~'s 1944 REL C Mk1 Sniper Observers Scope (click here)