how do I tell the differance between a fake and real 330 scope lense covers ?

[razors edge]

I'm meeting s guy at a gunshow this weekend who says he has an original leather lense covers for a 1903A4. What do I look for? Anyone have sn

Pictures of an original.

[jgaynor]

Its pretty hard. For a simple item the lens dust covers were a major procurement fiasco. To make a long story short there were supposedly at least three variations of legitimate dust caps. Personally I have never seen photos of all three types lined up side by side.
One of the old TM's has a photo of one style of cap which is unique in that there are tabs which extends down from the sides of the caps and are stitched to the connecting strap. Other caps i have seen just have the strap stitched to the side of the cap. When looking at vintage caps its hard to tell if its GI or just an old set of commercial caps.

The post-war plastic cover which is connected with a rawhide bootlace are probably more reliably original.

Regards,
Jim