WWI Sniper Scope Cases

[Marine A5 Sniper Rifle]

I have been looking at the WWI USMC sniper Win A5 scope cases, and there appear to be at least three versions, and I recently read that the "authenticate" USMC A5 scope case had only 6-loops and a leather strap. I believe that statement to be incorrect, and I believe I can so prove. If those who have these scope cases would post a two pictures, one of the full length of their scope case, and one of the inside of the scope cap, I would be appreciative. I suspect we have all seen Tom Jackson's most excellent scope case, and I believe that scope case is an example of the original issue scope cases for the Marine snipers.

If your scope case has a serial number or a name written on it, I may be able to give you much more information on your case and the sniper, which can only increase its value.

jt

[clintonhater]

Photographs of every variation available from Winchester (5, I think) can be seen in Campbell's The Winchester Single Shot, Vol. 2.

[Marine A5 Sniper Rifle]

I don't have that book, and the question was not how many variations there are, but which one was the original issue.

Thanks, Fred. Can you post a picture of them for the sake of clarity?

Jim

PS
I still like that rifle of yours.

[Promo]

The three I have - none is serialized nor marked.

[cplnorton]

I want to say I saw several listed in the WRA documents, but they make it clear on who was actually receiving it.

The Marine Corps Contract one they describe in great detail though. Almost every measurement is listed. But the Marine one was a six loop one and made from 7oz Russet leather.

[Marine A5 Sniper Rifle]

I want to say I saw several listed in the WRA documents, but they make it clear on who was actually receiving it.

The Marine Corps Contract one they describe in great detail though. Almost every measurement is listed. But the Marine one was a six loop one and made from 7oz Russet leather.

Gunner Steve Estock had one of the first, if not the first, sniper rifles issued, and his scope case is an 8-loop. It is now owned by Tom Jackson, and you have probably seen photos of it.

jt

[cplnorton]

I do have WRA documents that detail a 8 loop one somewhere in one of the piles, but I think I honestly found them in the commercial files after WWI. If I remember the document right it just sort of sounded like they were a commerical sales item.

The Marines and Army both ordered the same cases on three seperate contracts during the War. Which those were a little over 2,000 cases. But when you read the descriptions of those contracts, they all just say the 6 loop.

It could have been a private purchase item maybe.

[Marine A5 Sniper Rifle]

I do have WRA documents that detail a 8 loop one somewhere in one of the piles, but I think I honestly found them in the commercial files after WWI. If I remember the document right it just sort of sounded like they were a commerical sales item.

The Marines and Army both ordered the same cases on three separate contracts during the War. Which those were a little over 2,000 cases. But when you read the descriptions of those contracts, they all just say the 6 loop.

It could have been a private purchase item maybe.

All known WWI USMC sniper rifles have 8-loop russet scope cases with a web strap. I have never seen a six loop. I was hoping someone would post one. When the rifles were issued, they were taken to the range and the settings for different ranges were established. The rifle's scope zero was always zero @ 100 yds. In the scope cap, a disc was placed with the settings, the serial number of the rifle, and the name of the Marine to whom it was issued. Bear in mind, some Marines who attended the school were never going to be snipers or scouts due to rank or duty station (like instructor or unit commander, etc.). I'm not certain how their rifles/scopes they used were marked,if they were. Upon the death of a sniper, the rifle and scope were re-issued.

Have you ever seen a 6-loop scope case that can be associated with a known sniper?

Jim

[JWM]

I do have WRA documents that detail a 8 loop one somewhere in one of the piles, but I think I honestly found them in the commercial files after WWI. If I remember the document right it just sort of sounded like they were a commerical sales item.

The Marines and Army both ordered the same cases on three seperate contracts during the War. Which those were a little over 2,000 cases. But when you read the descriptions of those contracts, they all just say the 6 loop.

It could have been a private purchase item maybe.

What is the answer to the defining characteristics of the 6 loop case that Cpl Norton has brought forward, and what are the defining characteristics of the 8 loop case that Jim has mentioned? Is it possible that the 6 loop and the 8 loop cases being discussed are one and the same, in that the number six is derived from the number of loops on the case body, with the two on the case lid not being counted?

Interesting discussion and strong arguments on both sides. That said, Brophy's body of work and personal experience as a U.S. Army Rifle team shooter during the era of when these scopes and cases were still in use by the Army and Marines will be extraordinarily difficult to discredit.

Thanks...it was an enjoyable and most informative read!

James

[Marine A5 Sniper Rifle]

....Brophy's body of work and personal experience as a U.S. Army Rifle team shooter during the era of when these scopes and cases were still in use by the Army and Marines will be extraordinarily difficult to discredit. James

You are right, but Brophy came long after the WWI snipers were gone, and he was in the Army. I have wondered what information he did have. Still, with one possible exception that was issued very late in the sniper program, every scope case, of which I am aware that has surfaced, has been an 8-loop and all have been the same. Some may believe them to be faked, but the logistics of such a widespread fakery by one person is beyond the pale, as he would have no way of knowing the names of so many snipers. Ancestry.com just wasn't around back in those days.

In the end, I suspect we will discover all the initial issued scope cases were indeed 8-loop. I believe WRA had 8-loop scope cases on hand and that is what they shipped. Who, but us, would notice the difference?

jt