Description
You are bidding on a VERY RARE used example of a WW2 British Royal Air Force MK. III “L” (8B/1588) Aircraft Gunsight! Unlike the standard MK. III “A” that was installed in bomber turrets, this was installed in the cockpit of both Fighter and Attack aircraft, that had fixed, forward-firing guns or rockets.
The Mk III Aircraft Gunsight was adopted by the RAF as the standard turret and free gun sight for their aircraft. It consisted of a detachable lamp unit and an upright sight head. The lamp unit is removed by depressing a small button on the bottom of the housing, revealing the bulb and circuitry (this example is quite tight). The brightness of the bulb was adjusted by the gunner by rotating the rheostat knob. The bulb illuminated the reticle which was projected through the lens onto the glass reflector from below. The glass reflector is contained within the housing above the lens. The reflector housing has a flip-up sun screen, which is engaged by turning a small knob on the side.
The MK. III “L” variant differed from the standard MK. III, by having variable deflection control, allowing it to be used on fixed forward firing guns and rockets on fighters and attack aircraft (such as the Hawker Typhoon; North American B-25J; Bristol Beaufighter, and A-20 Havoc). The US Navy later copied this sight, naming it the MK. 3 “Adjustable” Gunsight.
Made of aluminum, steel, and glass, and dating around 1943, this is an EXCELLENT used example. The only one of its type that I have seen, there are some light scratches and wear from, however it retains 95% of its original finish! All the glass is original to this sight, and the data information is 100% intact, clearly indicating the model and type. The aiming circle/crosshair is also present! Features an RCAF label on the side, but it would have been used with both the RAF and RCAF. The original mounting bracket is attached, along with all the original wiring and plug! Would make an EXCELLENT addition to any collection, display, or simply as a conversation piece!
