Log In
March 14, 2022
Offline
I was reading about front sights for 22’s online last night and came across this one below and realized I had one laying around for a couple years I took off a gun and replaced with an original. I thought someone put gold paint or something on it. I’ve never heard of them and just threw it in my sight drawer not realizing until now the gold color was original 22k gold and how rare it is and what kind of possible value it had. Just fyi.
Rick C
May 23, 2009
Offline
It is a dandy of a sight!
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
March 31, 2009
Offline
Watson Gunsight Co. was a Canadian company. They made a series of front sights and a tang sight. They operated from 1910 to 1927. In 1927 they were taken over by Belding and Mull in Pennsylvania.
March 14, 2022
Offline
Maverick said
It is a dandy of a sight!
Chuck said
Watson Gunsight Co. was a Canadian company. They made a series of front sights and a tang sight. They operated from 1910 to 1927. In 1927 they were taken over by Belding and Mull in Pennsylvania.
I agree Maverick and thank you Chuck for the info. Very interesting.
Rick C
June 19, 2009
Offline
Thanks for posting Rick. That’s an interesting front sight. It peaked my interest right away.
A little over a year ago, I picked up a group interesting & unusual sights along with a few scope blocks. Like you, I had never of Watson sights and new little of some of the others. So I began searching for information. My research on the sights came up with some interesting info, so I thought I’d share my notes & a few photos here in case anyone is interested.
-Watson #2 globe front sight– Online searching produced little information. Appears to be a quite rare #2 target front sight. These were made in Canada. This has a light increasing slide open top allowing for both target & hunting use. Parker Hale & Duckendorf would later adopt this design listed as (Watson Style). See links below.
-Pair of Parker Hale Iris deluxe adjustable apertures (see image in Stroebl book). One is new with original box. These have an adjustable camera lens style Iris and integral rotating color disc.
-Qty 2, Lyman #17 target front globe’s for 1903 Springfield – Predecessor to the 17A. These have a neat flipping combination dual aperture similar to a Lyman No,5 front sight. Would make a nice addition for a 1903 target rifle. See info pertaining to #17 & “No,17 special” for the 1903 Springfield in Stroebel book. The one mounted on the 1903 base has the early flip change combination pin & ball post or aperture reticle. Unmounted one has flip combination with later combination style flat top partridge post or aperture reticle.
-Lyman 17a front with 1903 Springfield mount.
– Griffin and Howe / Clear Vision front globe sight. New never mounted with original box, inserts & packing.
-Duckendorff, Gold cross wire globe front sight. These were patterned after the Watson #2 sight
– Qty2, Merit discs W/ interchangeable inserts.
-Redfield International front
– Redfield 102 receiver sight marked “W” for Winchester 54 & 70.
https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/16348939/re-watson-sights
https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/threads/watson-front-sight.828282/
March 14, 2022
Offline
Great post Ned. Very informing and interesting!
Rick C
March 31, 2009
Offline
Edward, that’s a lot of great info. I’ve only seen pictures of a couple Watson sights. After I posted I found out the company had been around longer. 1910 was when they moved to Niagra Falls.
November 12, 2018
Offline
I put these photos on the 24hourcampfire site, but for some reason the photos are no longer viewable.
Here are two Watson sights, the taller one for the Springfield 1903 30-06 (code 8O), and the slightly shorter one for the Springfield 1922 .22LR (code 8G). There is also a 3rd sight that looked related, but maybe not.
I subsequently found photos of a Watson/Belding & Mull catalog that lists the two Springfield sights. It’s a bit difficult to read, but the best I’ve got.
The Watson sights are quite nice!
December 9, 2002
Offline
What a great and informative thread here and comments by many.
btbell, that 24 hr forum has had issues with it’s pictures for awhile now with many members complaining about it.
You’re information and pictures would be appreciated in the Rime Fire Central forum, where many members visit and would be happy to see.
Thanks for adding the information, and including the brochure pictures.
Anthony
