WWI German MG08 ZF 12 Sight With Nazi Marked Case

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A rare WWI German MG08 Prismatic Optical Sight, Model ZF 12 (Zielfernrohr 12) & Case. The sight was manufactured by Emil Busch A-G Rathenow. They were used as a sighting scope on the Imperial German army MG08 machine gun to increase their effectiveness over extended ranges. Telescopic sights such as this ZF12 were developed and introduced into the German Army during the First World War. The ZF 12 is easily fitted to and removed from a special dove tailed bracket on the gun. This example has good optics and when looking through the sight, the aiming reticle is a thin, inverted black 'V' which is designed not to obscure any part of the target when aiming. This examples is accompanied with an original leather case with early drop winged Nazi Eagle Waffenamt stamp; Eagle over WaA44. Another very unusual mark is found on the lid, the initials SA within a square. This is the military property stamp used by Finland. These markings are extremely rare to be found on this type of case.

We believe the most plausible explanation for how and when these markings are applied is as follows. The Finnish SA markings would have been added in the 1920s or early 1930s when Finland adopted their version the MG08, the M09/21 & M32/33. The MG08 was used extensively throughout WWII by the Nazi's and this is when the case was Waffen marked and the numbers 9855 were written on the lid.

To order Call 01547 529093 or 05603 416575 or email sales@deactivated-guns.co.uk.

Product Code: 1MGG4

OUT OF STOCK