WW1 United States Warner And Swasey M-1913 Sniper Scope

This fine example of the Model 1913 scope is fully marked, with the black finish having been worn off showing the brass beneath. The range data plate is still attached and legible, and the left side of the sight still has the manufacturer’s markings: TELESCOPIC MUSKET SIGHT MODEL OF 1913    No.4023 THE WARNER & SWASEY CO. CLEVELAND OHIO U.S.A.
PAT. FEB.13-06.MAY 22-06.DEC.15-08. Measuring 6 1/4 inches in total length with the serial number being stamped to the underside and the mounting post being in place. Cross hairs in place to the optics and visible with some black spotting being present. Useable as is, but could benefit from a good cleaning to the interior of the optics. SKU: 62508

HISTORY : This design was known as THE FIRST "OFFICIAL" SNIPER SCOPE" that was issued to snipers in the First World War. After the introduction of the Mauser-based M1903 Springfield Service Rifle, it was proposed that telescopic sighted rifles be available to selected marksmen. An experimental rifle telescope, designed by Ambrose Swasey, a co-founder of the Cleveland, Ohio firm of Warner & Swasey was selected. It was an unusual prismatic construction which had the advantage of allowing a wide field of view at the relatively high magnification of 6x. This scope was also used in conjunction with the Ross Rifle (see photo for reference) We know from Clive Law's research that these rifles were requested by the UK in 1940, but Canada declined to turn them over and used them for training until perhaps early 1944, when it seems the scopes were scrapped. From the available information, only about 150 of these rifles got to France in WW1. When WWII began, additional bases were made up so as to fit all scopes to rifles. 80 or so of these  scopes were sent to the UK with the 1st Division in 1939/40, to be fitted there to P14 rifles with bases made in the UK IIRC.