Posted by Lightfoot:
Here is a statement I copied from an ebay seller many years back:
A lot of watchers/buyers are unclear about the chronology of Weaver early K model scopes, so here is a general guideline. It may not be 100% correct, but is very close:
1946/47: Weaver introduces the K model in 2.5X and 4X. First models have tiny friction-lock adjustment screws, no adjustment caps, black painted brass lens ring on front, no lens ring on rear. Adjustment saddle tends to turn copper color over lengthy period of time (50 years or so)
1948: Black painted brass lens ring added to rear. No proof marks are on the scopes
1949: Larger black dial click adjustment replaces tiny friction-lock screw adjustment
1949/50: Round top adjustment caps are added, 1X and 6X models added, "S inside a diamond" proof mark appears
1950-55: An assortment of proof marks appear, individually and together..."S inside a diamond", "P inside a circle", "L" by itself, but often with an "S"; chronology of marks cannot be established, location of marks varies from alongside "El Paso, Tex" to just below, to way below, sometimes not on a consistent line or spacing. Location of branding/model printing also appears anywhere from just above threads (on very rare occasions, just inside the threads) to midway up to adjustments, to just below adjustments. This is one of the indications of the frantic production pace at Weaver just to keep up with worldwide demand, which often doubled and even tripled in one year. Even though the roll printing process was not always precise, there has never been found any indication whatsoever that the quality of functional parts was ever compromised to keep up with production.
1951/2: Silver adjustment dials used in place of black dials
1952: 8X and 10X models are added
1955/6: 6-ring bullseye adjustment caps appear, Model "60 in a box" appears (NOT 60B)
1957: Model "60B" appears, with first constantly-centered reticle in a 1" scope
1959/60: Brass lens rings are replaced by black plastic rings. "Bullseye" caps replaced with beveled top, knurled side caps for better grip with gloves.
After 1960, it is a bit easier to keep up with changes, as they did not occur on a sometimes-weekly basis, as they did in earlier years.
Here is the Link to the full Thread:https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbt...t-series-mounted-with-stith#Post17916274