Absolut
Senior Member
Finally received my first ZF43(B) scope and thought I should share some pictures in here too - after all it is one of which very little is known, plus pictures are also rare (mainly from auctions).
The pictures show the scope from all four sides, the last picture shows the scope with the rain shield and the darkening lense removed, the next picture shows exactly these two parts separately pictured. The final three pictures show the "scope pouch". Note this scope is a long eye relief scope like the ZF41; it was intended to be used on the G.41(W) rifle, the mount to it using what we nowadays refer as the "ZF41 rails" on this rifle.
Worth pointing out (took me some time to notice it even in the pictures): the ocular (where you look in!) is the LARGE side, compared to what we know where usually the ocular is smaller than the objective. Second thing, I did not know there was such as thing as the darkening lense. Some of those to be found on the internet seem to have it; one seems to lack it. Finally, the "scope pouch": this is basically a paper roll glued covered with leather-looking paper! So if I was to make a guess, this was the factory boxing where it was supposed to be shipped/sold because there is no way this would survive in the field. This would possibly also explain the hand written designation on the outside - done at Busch when those were put back in storage because there was no usage for them. Also the adjustment turret: it has a radial cut done in the middle for adjustment with a coin. Something we see with modern scopes, but nothing common for that period.
Finally, note the several fine steps in the tube. They have different diameter - it is quite clear where the mount was supposed to sit, plus this way it would had prevented slippery in the scope rings. At least my scope appears to have some scratches in this area (only) what made me think it might indeed once had been on a mount, but who knows.
Anyway, enjoy the pictures and looking forward to comments.
The pictures show the scope from all four sides, the last picture shows the scope with the rain shield and the darkening lense removed, the next picture shows exactly these two parts separately pictured. The final three pictures show the "scope pouch". Note this scope is a long eye relief scope like the ZF41; it was intended to be used on the G.41(W) rifle, the mount to it using what we nowadays refer as the "ZF41 rails" on this rifle.
Worth pointing out (took me some time to notice it even in the pictures): the ocular (where you look in!) is the LARGE side, compared to what we know where usually the ocular is smaller than the objective. Second thing, I did not know there was such as thing as the darkening lense. Some of those to be found on the internet seem to have it; one seems to lack it. Finally, the "scope pouch": this is basically a paper roll glued covered with leather-looking paper! So if I was to make a guess, this was the factory boxing where it was supposed to be shipped/sold because there is no way this would survive in the field. This would possibly also explain the hand written designation on the outside - done at Busch when those were put back in storage because there was no usage for them. Also the adjustment turret: it has a radial cut done in the middle for adjustment with a coin. Something we see with modern scopes, but nothing common for that period.
Finally, note the several fine steps in the tube. They have different diameter - it is quite clear where the mount was supposed to sit, plus this way it would had prevented slippery in the scope rings. At least my scope appears to have some scratches in this area (only) what made me think it might indeed once had been on a mount, but who knows.
Anyway, enjoy the pictures and looking forward to comments.
