Original German WWI MG08 Machine Gun ZF12 Optical Sight with Leather Case Swords The serial number indicates that

The serial number indicates that it was built at Springfield between April and July 1891

That is all we know for certain

All offered in very nice condition considering it is already over 100 years of age

In 8mm (German) this became a very reliable weapon for the Third Reich in WW2

where he formed the Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company

Original German WWI MG08 Machine Gun ZF12 Optical Sight with Leather Case Swords The serial number indicates thatOriginal Item: Only One Available. Just received from England, having been in a private World War One collection which was first established in the 1920s. The last surviving family member now having passed, the collection has been sold off. Thiis a ZF12 Optical telescopic sight made by Emil Busch A G, Rathenow (Germany). It is stamped Emil Busch A G, Rathenow on the exterior of the leather carrying case, and again on the right side of the optics