Solo
Sr Member
So, I finally got a genuine M19 Tank Scope for a little less than they normally go for, but still VERY EXPENSIVE. It certainly appears to be the real deal. But, it's rather unique, from others I've seen, as it's missing the markings on the top of the main view port.
This was advertised as a Stuart M3/M5 Tank Scope in the auction (maybe someone here sold it?). I saw photos before I purchased and noticed I couldn't see any markings, but figured they were just painted over so much they weren't legible in photos. When I got it yesterday, I looked closer and there are no markings except for a random 4 engraved on the outside (see the last photo). Which would line up with where the serial number should be, I guess. I can see normally through the scope, as I expected. And inside along the edge of the lens it reads, 37MM-M5.
I have a few M38s and they all have the usual markings, but this one...I'm baffled. Another interesting part is that the sides of the larger viewing port ring are slightly narrower than the rest of the ring - they were ground down, for some reason. So, my guess is that the top markings were ground off, as well. Not sure why, but that's what I'm thinking.
Also, the light port is unusual, compared to the photos I've seen of other genuine M19s. What's up with that?
So, can anyone confirm that this is actually a genuine item? Thanks for your help. (See photos for reference.)
This was advertised as a Stuart M3/M5 Tank Scope in the auction (maybe someone here sold it?). I saw photos before I purchased and noticed I couldn't see any markings, but figured they were just painted over so much they weren't legible in photos. When I got it yesterday, I looked closer and there are no markings except for a random 4 engraved on the outside (see the last photo). Which would line up with where the serial number should be, I guess. I can see normally through the scope, as I expected. And inside along the edge of the lens it reads, 37MM-M5.
I have a few M38s and they all have the usual markings, but this one...I'm baffled. Another interesting part is that the sides of the larger viewing port ring are slightly narrower than the rest of the ring - they were ground down, for some reason. So, my guess is that the top markings were ground off, as well. Not sure why, but that's what I'm thinking.
Also, the light port is unusual, compared to the photos I've seen of other genuine M19s. What's up with that?
So, can anyone confirm that this is actually a genuine item? Thanks for your help. (See photos for reference.)