The John Bannister Collection - D-Day and Militaria
Lot 2242a:
Description
U.S. Navy Bore-Sighting Telescope, Mark XXV, Mod 2 Manufacturer: Bausch & Lomb Optical Co., Rochester, NY (Contractor) Serial Number: 536 Inspector: Lt. Charles H. Davis (C.H.D.), USN Bureau of Ordnance Period: World War II (Estimated 1941–1942) Physical Specs: 16.75″ Length, 1.75″ Outer Diameter; Brass Construction with Original Plate. Condition Report: > * Optics: Exceptional; pristine clarity with minimal internal inclusions. Original etched reticle (crosshairs) intact and sharp. Exterior: Original aged brass patina; identification plate is fully legible with official USN Anchor inspection stamp. Historical Significance: A low-serial-number precision instrument used for the alignment and firing of 3-inch and 5-inch naval artillery. Verified by C.H.D., inspector Lieutenant Charles H. Davis, was a notable U.S. Navy officer who served as an Inspector of Ordnance (Optical Material). Lieutenant Davis was a “legacy” officer in the Navy (his father and grandfather were both famous Admirals). During his service, he was specifically tasked with overseeing the quality of high-precision optical instruments. The Reputation: Seeing a “C.H.D.” mark is a hallmark of quality for collectors. It indicates that the instrument was inspected under his authority, ensuring it was rugged enough for the high-recoil environment of a naval gun deck. The Connection: Davis oversaw contracts at major optical firms, including Bausch & Lomb and Keuffel & Esser. Because he was an expert in “optical material,” his stamp appears on some of the most accurate telescopes of the era. This telescope was the “eye” for two of the most famous gun systems in naval history. Based on its 16.75-inch length and 1.75-inch diameter, it was primarily utilized for: 1)The 3″/50 Caliber Anti-Aircraft Gun: These were the workhorses of the fleet, mounted on Destroyer Escorts, Submarines, and Patrol Craft. Your telescope was used to visually track enemy planes and “bore-sight” the barrel to ensure the shells went exactly where the gunner was looking. 2) The 5″/38 Caliber Gun: The most effective dual-purpose gun of WWII. It was found on every major ship, from the USS Missouri battleship to the Fletcher-class destroyers. Dimensions: 16.75″ Length, 1.75″ Outer Diameter. Please see photos.
Share this lot:
