Initially designed and produced by Tinsley Laboratories of Berkly California, commerical sales appear to have begun in 1951 (Stroebel, 2000). Production and sales were latter taken over by Chilford Arms Mfg, as Tinsley Laboratories turned its attention to other projects. In 1954 Chilford Arms Mfg, would advertise having mounts for 86 different firearms.

The scope came in both a 2.5x version and in a slightly larger 4x version. 4x scopes can be identified by their longer eyepiece. The scope did not have traditional turrets instead relying on two screws on the back of the body to adjust elevation and windage. The reticle was a stadard crosshairs, but this could be replaced with a dot style reticle as an upgrade for $10.

Images



Tinsley Laboratories 2.25x scope.




Add from a 1952 copy of The Sporting Goods Trade Directory, pg 213.




Chilford Arms add from 1954 plus a letter that was mailed to the dealer.




Manual from a 2.25x Chilford Arms scope.




2.25x scope specifications. Probably taken from a Tinsley Laboratories add.




Reticle from a 2.25x scope made by Tinsley Laboratories.



References

Stroebel, N. (2000). Old Rifle Scopes. Krause Publications.

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