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Post by Peter Wells on Apr 9, 2006 16:19:10 GMT 1
I consder myself very fortunate to have a set of these sights as per GOL fig 564. I got them at a local flea market (at a REALLY good price ;D too!) in a little tin (approx. 46X31mm footprint) with domed, hinged lid marked
SIGHTS LUMINOUS
VICKERS .303" GUN
1 SET
Lid is lined with blue velvet and body has internal steel clips to hold the sights securely.
I have the feeling that this is a pretty scarce item - only one I know of in SA.
I would be interested to hear of any other survivors world-wide.
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Post by Richard Fisher on Apr 9, 2006 17:40:34 GMT 1
I have a set as well and it includes the original paper instructions folded up in the lid.
I do not know of any other sets.
Richard
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Post by Peter Wells on Apr 10, 2006 6:56:56 GMT 1
That's great Richard and congratulations on your set.
I wasn't aware that they came with instructions and it's amazing that yours has survived.
The whole affair is so small they must have been really easy to misplace in the trenches etc. That, and the fact that the vast majority were converted to the Mk2 version, makes them ultra scarce and desirable.
Many thanks for the info.
Cheers for now
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Post by markfinneran on Apr 12, 2006 5:43:27 GMT 1
There are at least 5 other UK MG owners I know of who have the boxed sets. Plus 3 US owners so clearly there are more out there. There are at least 3 variations of boxes too in the way they are stamped. As to WWI or post WWI dating of these boxes I do not know.
Mark
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Post by Peter Wells on Apr 12, 2006 9:28:53 GMT 1
Thanks for the info Mark.
GOL says the conversion to Mk2 (which don't look like they would fit into the box) took place in the 1930s so no help there.
Even 10 (ish) known in the collecting world makes them a very rare item so am still highly chuffed.
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Post by woodsy on Feb 14, 2011 7:31:51 GMT 1
I am pleased to report that I have just obtained a set in the original tin (minus the paper instruction sheet). This set was purportedly used by the NZMGC in WW1 although I am seeking verification of this from the former owner. I am happy to have them anyway as they are a nice addition to the collection. ;D I am not aware of any other sets in NZ at present but I am sure one or two will emerge in time! It is difficult to make statements about the rarity of something as collectors here squirrel away all sorts of things (me included)!  |
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Post by Peter Wells on Feb 14, 2011 8:50:51 GMT 1
Well done Rod.  If you want to do a repro instruction sheet I can let you have a copy, courtesy of our UK friends. I did one on a sheet of the old 'airmail' writing paper and it worked out fine. My printer didn't like the thin paper but I eventually got it right. |
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Post by britplumber on Feb 14, 2011 11:30:49 GMT 1
So are these things rare, what sort of price do they fetch?
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Post by Richard Fisher on Feb 14, 2011 18:14:58 GMT 1
Glad to hear you were successful Rod.
Rich
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Post by woodsy on Feb 14, 2011 19:48:33 GMT 1
Cheers guys! Peter, I would would be very keen on the instruction sheet. Chris, Richard suggested I should possibly pay 400 Pounds but I paid a good bit less than that. It is difficult to be sure of rarity but it would appear that there are less than 20 known sets in the World.
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Post by Richard Fisher on Feb 14, 2011 22:56:23 GMT 1
Glad to hear it Rod. I think the instruction sheet is the one I sent Peter; if it is then it's nice to hear it's being shared around - no point having these things if others don't benefit.
Rich
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Post by Peter Wells on Feb 15, 2011 13:24:05 GMT 1
That's the one Richard Do you think you could find a good place to post it here on the forum and then EVERYONE can share?  |
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todd
Junior Member
Posts: 61 
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Post by todd on Feb 15, 2011 21:54:21 GMT 1
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Post by Richard Fisher on Feb 16, 2011 16:49:49 GMT 1
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Post by woodsy on Feb 16, 2011 19:50:34 GMT 1
Thanks Richard and Peter. The instructions are now happily in the tin. |
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