Scope for the Swiss MG-08

[cobra]

We have looked at the Devils Paintbrush book for information on the scopes. Does anyone know how many of these scopes were used on the different MG-08,s and the countries that used them. We have found three so far and they are all different but,look the same. Cobra

[amafrank]

Your question is a bit confusing....there isn't a Swiss MG-08 but there are different types and makers of the MG-08 optical sight. Are you looking for info on the Swiss sights or the MG 08 sights???

The Swiss MG99, MG01 and MG11's used an optical sight that is essentially the same as the 1895 Maxims used by the Argentines and others.

The MG 08 sights are different shapes made by different makers but use the same or similar reticles and all fit the same mount.

Feel free to list page numbers or chapters from the Devils Paintbrush for reference to your questions....I think we all have at least one copy.

Frank

[cobra]

Frank, Thanks for the reply on the optical sights, We have all of the optical sights for the MG-08 but, since we have located three sights that seem to fit the Swiss weapon all are different but look the same. We are trying to fit each sight to a certain country that would use the brackett seen on the Swiss weapon. The Devil,s Paintbrush is a fine book on the different Maxim,s but, leaves a lot of unanswered questions and details. Thanks,Cobra

[12thWaffenSS]

Frank, Thanks for the reply on the optical sights, We have all of the optical sights for the MG-08 but, since we have located three sights that seem to fit the Swiss weapon all are different but look the same. We are trying to fit each sight to a certain country that would use the brackett seen on the Swiss weapon. The Devil,s Paintbrush is a fine book on the different Maxim,s but, leaves a lot of unanswered questions and details. Thanks,Cobra

Contact the author and ask him. You can might have to contact him through the publishing company.

[amafrank]

Frank, Thanks for the reply on the optical sights, We have all of the optical sights for the MG-08 but, since we have located three sights that seem to fit the Swiss weapon all are different but look the same. We are trying to fit each sight to a certain country that would use the brackett seen on the Swiss weapon. The Devil,s Paintbrush is a fine book on the different Maxim,s but, leaves a lot of unanswered questions and details. Thanks,Cobra

Can you post pictures of the scopes in question? I've got 2 different types for my Swiss MG11, one is the early type which will also fit the model 1895 Argentine brass Maxim and the other is the later type which appears to have come into use in the late 30's or early 40's for the MG11 and later the MG51. Identification is tough without knowing what we are identifying......

Here are some pics of the 2 scopes I've got....hope it helps
Frank

[cobra]

Frank, The three scopes are like the large one on your pictures. Two have the dials in brass but with different range markings,the other has a steel dial with range markings similar to one of the brass ones. We have two leather pouches, Both seem to be alike. I was hoping to find out if there were contracts from different countries when these were ordered and what countries ordered which models. The scopes for the German Mg-08,s are very interesting as there are so many different styles. We purchased two scopes made by Bausch & Lomb for the 50 cal Brownung machine guns dated 1940 that are very much like the MG-08 scopes. They fit on the right side of the 50 Cal Thanks for the in put. I would like to enclose some pictures but I haven,t had time to take any and send them. Cobra

[amafrank]

My scope was made by and marked Carl Zeiss - Jena and the case is dated 17 (1917) with a maker from Bern Switzerland. I've seen a pretty good number of these scopes and most of them have at least 2 serial numbers and many have evidence of the serials being machined off and new numbers put on. I'm guessing this is due to arsenal or other rework/refit and fitting of the scopes to particular guns. There are no windage adjustments possible with this type of scope so they need to be fitted to a particular gun. The scopes I've seen on the Argentine maxims look exactly the same and fit the same mounts. They are (were) also made by Carl Zeiss in Jena and marked pretty much the same other than serial numbers. There is some variation in the elevation disc over the years and I've seen steel, brass and plated discs used. Its hard to determine what contract the scopes would have been used for as the maker was the same for most. The leather cases are frequently the only source of info for country as each country tended to make their own fitted cases and usually proofed them. Swiss cases are usually marked and dated with the last 2 digits of the year and that info is usually on the back. It may also be found on the straps in some cases......look at both sides of the ends of the straps.

Get some pictures when you can.....good luck
Frank