Antique Gun Sight Identification Help Needed

[TexasChris]

Hi,

I was hoping someone could help me identify this gun sight. I believe it is from WW1. Measures 4" X 1.5"



I appreciate your help!

 

[Dawico]

That is cool. I am curious too.

It reminds me of the sight on a ground to air gun, like the gun Cuba Gooding Jr. used in the movie Pearl Harbor. Not exactly the same but just similiar.

 

[majormadmax]

Too small for a AAA gun sight. I don't even think it is a gun sight by its size and design. Outside of that, I have no idea what it could be...

What makes you think it's from WWI? Are there any markings on it?

 

[majormadmax]

To explain why I don't think it's a WWI gun sight, this is a Browning M-1919A4 Anti-Aircraft Sight Assembly. You can see it is completely different...

Do a Google image search on 'WWI Anti-Aircraft Sight Assembly' and you won't see anything like what you have.

 

[TexasChris]

I am pretty confident it is a gun sight. But, to what, I have not a clue. Thanks for your ideas.

 

[majormadmax]

I am pretty confident it is a gun sight. But, to what, I have not a clue. Thanks for your ideas.

Again, what makes you think it's a gun sight, and one from from WWI? As I've asked, are there any markings on it?

Being "confident" isn't the same as being right. If you really believe it is, tell us why or what evidence you have to support that theory. I have yet to find anything remotely close to it, so I am curious as to how you came to that conclusion...

 

[Nate C]

Again, what makes you think it's a gun sight, and one from from WWI? As I've asked, are there any markings on it?

Being "confident" isn't the same as being right. If you really believe it is, tell us why or what evidence you have to support that theory. I have yet to find anything remotely close to it, so I am curious as to how you came to that conclusion...

He probably developed his opinion after seeing something like the photo below (or any one of dozens of similar readily-accessible photos) on the internet. I think it is overall too small an apparatus to be used in an aviation defense or anti-aircraft mode, but I don't know for certain either. The aperture at the opposite end from the crosshairs does indicate (to me) that it is a sight of some sort. Recoilless rifle?

http://www.vg-photo.com/articles/b25flight.html

 

[Dawico]

I found this.

It seems the OP is on the right track. It might be a one off prototype that never caught on. Its true origin may never be found.

One end reminds me of an AR sight where you flip up the center for a more accurate shot but flip down for faster sight use. Just pop the cap off.

 

[TexasChris]

The reason why I believe it is a gun site is because it came from an estate in which I purchased this old WW1 canteen. Inside were all of these military objects including a WW1 German Cross. A WW1 German Trench Art piece and other items. There was also a WW1 German belt buckle inside.

 

[A.Texas.Yankee]

While it does resemble an aperture of some kind, the lack of adjustment means it's either an ordinance sight of some type, or missing parts. That's if it is a gun sight to begin with.

Sent from my LG-LS995 using Tapatalk

 

[zackmars]

If you haven't already, i would check with various militria oriented forums.

I doubt its a gun sight, but what do i know

 

[TexasChris]

There is 5 holes drilled in the bottom at the end of the sight. I guess you would look through the small hole and perhaps adjust (missing pieces) while looking through circle?

 

[Chirpy]

Is that centered bolt hollow?

 

[TexasChris]

Is that centered bolt hollow?

No Chirpy, It is solid.

 

[Chirpy]

There goes my theory of a modified pitot tube then, no help, sorry.

 

[majormadmax]

I would try here...

http://forums.gunboards.com/forumdisplay.php?67-Military-History-Board