Description
The 17 cm SK L/40 was a Kaiserliche Marine naval gun that was used on two classes of German pre-dreadnought battleships the Braunschweig class and the Deutschland class as their secondary battery. Later they were adapted for land service during World War I and World War II.
Although designated as 17 centimeters (6.7 in), its actual caliber was 17.26 centimeters (6.80 in). It used the Krupp horizontal sliding-block, or “wedge”, as it is sometimes referred to, in a breech loading design, rather than the interrupted screw commonly used in the heavy guns of other nations. This required that the propellant charge be loaded in a metal, (usually brass), case which seals the breech to prevent escape of the expanding propellant gas.
During WW2, they were re-used in the 17 cm Kanone in Eisenbahnlafette (17 cm K (E)) railroad gun, and assigned to Artillerie-Batteries 717 and 718 (E) along the Channel coast.
Made of solid brass, aluminum, and steel, this scope is in EXCELLENT used condition! Though it is over 100 years old, it still retains MUCH of its original paint, and the markings are VERY clear! Though there is some slight spotting on the objective lens (should be an easy fix), the optics are VERY CLEAR, and the focus adjustment functions 100% correctly! There is a large knob that rotates through various filters, but that is VERY stiff at this point of time (will need to be lubricated/cleaned by the winning bidder). As it was originally mounted on a ship, there is some slight rust and pitting from the salt air, but nothing that detracts. The UNIQUE feature, is that is can be adjusted for 3x Power to 8x Power, by turning the cylinder! The data information is still clearly impressed into the front plate, and indicates 17cm S.K. L/40. Measuring approx 19″ long, I have shown the EXACT guns this was installed on in the last images, as well as where it was mounted. Having never seen another one, it would make a PERFECT addition to any collection or display!
