REL32511.001 - Dial sight Mk II (AUST) : Vickers Medium Machine Gun

REL32511.001

ID number
REL32511.001
Title
Dial sight Mk II (AUST) : Vickers Medium Machine Gun
Object type
Optical equipment
Place made
Australia
Date made
1944
Physical description
  • Aluminium;
  • Brass;
  • Glass;
  • Steel;
Collection
Technology
Description
Mark II (AUST) dial sight for a Vickers Medium Machine Gun. The lighter Mark II was manufactured using aluminium parts and castings with a minimum of brass and steel parts. Fitted to the bottom of the sight are two rotatable aluminium drums, working on ratchets. The smaller outside drum is used for adjusting the range, and the larger one for adjusting the angle of sight. Fitted to the right side of the sight is a dovetailed brass block with an internal threaded locking bolt designed to fit to the rear left side of the Vickers machine gun. Fitted to the right side of the sight is a dovetailed brass block with an internal threaded locking bolt designed to fit to the rear left side of the Vickers machine gun. Fitted to the left and right sides in the centre of the sight are two brass tuning wheels also etched with numbers and units of measurement. These control the clockwise and anti-clockwise movement of the dial. A spirit level is cast to the left side of the dial. Attached to the top is a black steel cradle fitted with an adjustable black cylindrical lensatic sight, No.1 MkI (AUST).
Summary
The Mk II dial sight replaced the heavier brass and steel Mark I dial sight, introduced into British service in 1939. In Australian service during the Pacific campaign, the Mk II dial sight was designed to be used in conjunction with Mk.VII type .303 inch ammunition. The history of this sight and case are unknown.
Permalink: http://cas.awm.gov.au/item/REL32511.001

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