25 pdr field gun dial sight No.107 Mk II in leather case

Dial sight No.107 Mk II for a 25 pounder field gun in a leather case. The sight has a post fitting with an eyepiece and adjustable range drums for elevation and windage. The white rubber surrounding the eyepiece is deteriorating. Inscribed on the top of the sight is 'DIAL SIGHT NO107(AUST)MK.II - J.W.H - 1943 - SERIAL NO 1277'. Adhered to the main dial are two labels reading 'Dial Sight' and '199'. The leather case has a recessed fitting to securely house the sight. There is an adjustable carry handle and two side fastening buckles and the opening flap is secured by a leather strap to an O-ring fastening. There is also a loose leather strap inserted into this fastening. Two paper labels have been stuck to the front of the case and read 'H.C.C.55' and 'ATD 3085'. These labels partly cover an inscription stamped into the leather reading 'CASE, N....SIGHT F.S. LTD.'. 'ATD 3085' has also been written in black permanent ink below the label and on the top of the case.

Before the Second World War Australia relied on acquiring optical equipment from Britain and the United States. However, with the outbreak of war the Australian government set up the Optical Munitions Panel in June 1940 to advise and assist in establishing an Australian optical industry. This dial sight was one of the optical pieces subsequently manufactured. It was acquired some time after 1946 for use in artillery sighting at the Woomera Range during the Anglo-Australian Joint Project (1946-1980).