MkIV General Service Telescope
TEL. SIG. MK IV ALSO G.S.
Canadian 1917
Canadian Military Marked
Comes with High & Low Lenses
£200
Official Military Designation: Engraved - TEL. SIG. (MK IV) ALSO G.S. (Telescope, Signaling, Mark IV, Also General Service)
The Military GS Telescope MKIV is a famous World War I brass signaling and sniper observer spotting telescope used by British and Commonwealth forces.
Introduced around February 1915 during World War I, these draw-tube telescopes came with both lenses stored in a leather case, though changing lenses in the field could be cumbersome for sniper and observer pairs, leading many to seek fixed-power alternatives later on
Manufacturers
While the majority of these optics were produced by British firms like Taylor, Taylor & Hobson or Negretti & Zambra, a small portion of wartime contracts was fulfilled in Canada. Instruments stamped "CONSOL TORONTO" (often misread as "Consort") were manufactured by the Consolidated Optical Co. based in Toronto, Ontario
The Military GS Telescope MKIV stamped with "Consol
Toronto" is a rare, historically significant World War I brass signaling
telescope manufactured in Canada.
During the First World War, the British and Commonwealth militaries heavily
relied on these portable, multi-draw optical instruments for sniping,
scouting, and battlefield signaling.
These are typically heavy-duty brass, "three-draw" (meaning they have three extending sections) telescopes. To protect them from the harsh elements of trench warfare, the main barrel and the outer extensions were bound in thick leather protective sleeves
Finding an example marked by Consolidated Optical in Toronto is highly prized by military collectors. It serves as a direct piece of Canadian home during the Great War
Overview of MKIV High & Low Lenses
Low Power (x15): Used for a wider field of view, quicker target acquisition, and brighter imaging in low-light conditions.
High Power (x30): Used for detailed long-range observation and identification.
A great Addition for anyone collecting WW1 or WW2 Sniper Accessories
The GS MkVI Telescope used by Australian Snipers at Gallipoli in 1915 - Sniper & Observer
Canadian WW2 Sniper & Observer using GS Teselcope
