Bren Gun - Plessey Fixed Line Sights

[horsa (David Gordon)]

Was curious how many fixed line sights for the Bren have been accounted for. Bren Gun Saga mentions only two or three known to exist but figure that list members might have greater combined knowledge of them in peoples' collections.

I have one and the MOD Pattern Room has one so that makes two so far.

Forgot to mention...Saw the accessories message thread which indicated about 20 known but didn't know how that was determined.

[britplumber]

Kevs the man, drop him an email.

I've got one aswell, so has Kev, and Woodsy also.

[britplumber]

Oh and theres also one at the small arms school corps here in the UK, you can see it in the photo of the LMG room on there web site.

[Kev]

Hi David, I collect the serial numbers from them when ever I hear of another that has surfaced (any chance you could send details of yours )

I dont have the serial numbers of all known sights, but there is a huge difference between the lowest and highest serial numbers.
2874 to 16317

Numbers determined by known sights in private and institutional collections.

One lucky forum member has 2 sights (with stowage boxes) !

[horsa (David Gordon)]

Guess you now have a new low number...I'm 2643 dated 1939. Its the one shown in the Bren chapter of the Tommy/Weapons book.

From the number range, they must have produced a good number of sites. Unless its a code related somehow to the date or possibly if they used the same series of numbers on other instruments which would be odd.

[Kev]

Thanks for the serial number ,cheers , has now been logged.

They (so far) all seem to be dated 39.

Serial number ranges fall into 3 ranges 2xxx to very low 3xxx numbers. 7xxx range and 1xxxx range.

Ideally would like a few more serial numbers before enquiring about similar weapons system serial numbers like Vickers sights manufactured in 39 etc. Doesn't seem to tally with anything so far.

[horsa (David Gordon)]

Could the number have been related to the weapon it was being tested with since they were in trials? Line No 32 scopes on sniper rifles except they added the scope number to the wrist of the rifle stock to know what went together.

Its a stretch but might explain the numbers jumping around a bit.

[Kev]

Not likely number related to a gun as Bren serial numbers only went to 4 digits (9999) before changing to a new prefix letter and starting at 1 again.

[britplumber]

Kev, have you got the number of the one at the small arms school corps?

[Kev]

No Brit........my mind was a blur when we went there last
If you have it could you post it or email it please ?

Also need the serial number of the one at Singleton.

Also the serial number of the one at Battery Todt in France

[britplumber]

I dont have the number of the one at the SASC, I wundered if you knew it was there.

[Kev]

Yes ,I have seen it but too many other things to look / do and forgot to make a note of it

Peter Laidler is very kindly pointing to it for you ;D (mounted on gun)

[britplumber]

I thought he was flicking a bogie!

[jumpinghat]

At the risk of starting a mad panic...........

I've seen what looks like a Bren Sight on ebay (yes that overpriced place......) photos are abit on the dark side and it appears to be missing something off the 'top rail'.....

cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6626142755&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

hope the link works!

Anyway seeing as its a very scarce item will be interesting to see what in the world it goes for..................

Any words of wisdom anyone?

Cheers

Jim

[Kev]

The lensatic sight is missing but it is common with other sights so not much of a problem.

Should be interesting watching the bidding on it ;D