Warner And Swasey WWI Rifle Scope

Keith Rogan · December 9, 2002, 05:34 PM

I hope someone can help me.

I have an opportunity to buy a Warner and Swasey telescopic sight, model of 1908, (with mount) from an upcoming estate sale. This thing is great shape except for the hard rubber eyepiece which is chipped and deteriorating. It has no US Gubmint markings, but I don't think they did mark them.

I know this is the same scope issued to snipers in WWI and is quite valuable. My problem is I need to know how valuable before I make an offer. I've searched the web extensively and there's a lot of info about the scope, but none on the "going rate" because apparently, they don't change hands very often.

Anyone know what it might be worth?

Keith

Keith Rogan · December 10, 2002, 04:40 PM

Nobody has a clue?

C.R.Sam · December 10, 2002, 08:04 PM

Not me.
I been hoping somebody would come in with some data.

Sam

James K · December 11, 2002, 12:05 AM

I saw one in only fair condition and with no rubber sell for $350. I don't know if that is a good price or not; I suspect it was low, but people seem to either think they are made of gold or that they are "just scopes".

Jim

BADSBSNF81 · December 11, 2002, 03:38 AM

Try posting over at jouster.com. They have an 03 discussion forum. You might also try Canfiled or Duff on their websites.

Keith Rogan · December 11, 2002, 12:24 PM

Well thanks,

I suspect $350 is real low because this is probably the rarest variant of sniper scopes. I'll keep searching.

**4V50 Gary** · December 12, 2002, 11:41 AM

Sorry, can't help but good luck in getting it (and a Springfield to match). I know someone with a M1903A4 (even w/right receiver markings - stamped parallel to boreline) and Weaver scope. Ohhh, I want.

Why not email Bruce Canfield or write Peter Senich?

Gary Leithner · March 30, 2006, 07:52 PM

While cleaning out an family member house house i came across one of the scopes.Also wonder whats it worth is.Alos any info on them TY, Gary

**Mike Irwin** · March 30, 2006, 08:19 PM

Try getting in touch with the NRA Museum. They might be able to point you towards a collectors group.

sck · April 2, 2006, 09:24 PM

The last one I saw for sale was at one of the big shows in Louisville, about 10 years ago. The guy was asking $750 for it then, but it was in such great shape, even the rubber eye cup, that it just didn't seem right to me and I didn't have that kind of money. Five years ago, I saw a rife with scope for sale a local show in Ohio, for $2200. My suspicion is that if this is standard estate sale, not many folks other than yourself will be interested or even know what it is. So you should be able to get it for a good price. However, if there even one other person there, be prepared to see it go as high as $1500, even with the bad rubber. Best of luck and let us know how it turns out -- Steve

December 9, 2002, 05:34 PM	#1
Keith Rogan Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 1999 Location: Kodiak, Alaska Posts: 1,014	Warner And Swasey WWI Rifle Scope I hope someone can help me. I have an opportunity to buy a Warner and Swasey telescopic sight, model of 1908, (with mount) from an upcoming estate sale. This thing is great shape except for the hard rubber eyepiece which is chipped and deteriorating. It has no US Gubmint markings, but I don't think they did mark them. I know this is the same scope issued to snipers in WWI and is quite valuable. My problem is I need to know how valuable before I make an offer. I've searched the web extensively and there's a lot of info about the scope, but none on the "going rate" because apparently, they don't change hands very often. Anyone know what it might be worth? Keith __________________ Keith

December 10, 2002, 04:40 PM	#2
Keith Rogan Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 1999 Location: Kodiak, Alaska Posts: 1,014	Nobody has a clue? __________________ Keith

December 11, 2002, 03:38 AM	#5
BADSBSNF81 Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2001 Posts: 386	Try posting over at jouster.com. They have an 03 discussion forum. You might also try Canfiled or Duff on their websites. __________________ All stations stand by for flash traffic...

December 11, 2002, 12:24 PM	#6
Keith Rogan Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 1999 Location: Kodiak, Alaska Posts: 1,014	Well thanks, I suspect $350 is real low because this is probably the rarest variant of sniper scopes. I'll keep searching. __________________ Keith

December 12, 2002, 11:41 AM	#7
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,841	Never seen them at a gunshow and only at Museums Sorry, can't help but good luck in getting it (and a Springfield to match). I know someone with a M1903A4 (even w/right receiver markings - stamped parallel to boreline) and Weaver scope. Ohhh, I want. Why not email Bruce Canfield or write Peter Senich? __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

December 10, 2002, 08:04 PM	#3
C.R.Sam Senior Member Join Date: October 29, 1999 Location: Dewey, AZ Posts: 12,858	Not me. I been hoping somebody would come in with some data. Sam

December 11, 2002, 12:05 AM	#4
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	I saw one in only fair condition and with no rubber sell for $350. I don't know if that is a good price or not; I suspect it was low, but people seem to either think they are made of gold or that they are "just scopes". Jim

March 30, 2006, 07:52 PM	#8
Gary Leithner Junior Member Join Date: March 30, 2006 Location: Pa. Posts: 1	w&S model 1908 musket sight While cleaning out an family member house house i came across one of the scopes.Also wonder whats it worth is.Alos any info on them TY, Gary

March 30, 2006, 08:19 PM	#9
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	Try getting in touch with the NRA Museum. They might be able to point you towards a collectors group. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

April 2, 2006, 09:24 PM	#10
sck Member Join Date: December 8, 2000 Posts: 56	The last one I saw for sale was at one of the big shows in Louisville, about 10 years ago. The guy was asking $750 for it then, but it was in such great shape, even the rubber eye cup, that it just didn't seem right to me and I didn't have that kind of money. Five years ago, I saw a rife with scope for sale a local show in Ohio, for $2200. My suspicion is that if this is standard estate sale, not many folks other than yourself will be interested or even know what it is. So you should be able to get it for a good price. However, if there even one other person there, be prepared to see it go as high as $1500, even with the bad rubber. Best of luck and let us know how it turns out -- Steve