Rare Royal Navy Bore Reflector Inspection Tool – Expl. Dept. HMS Excellent

A scarce original Royal Navy bore reflector (barrel inspection viewer) engraved: EXPL. DEPT. H.M.S. EXCELLENT. This specialist optical inspection instrument was used for examining the interior condition of gun barrels by reflecting light along the bore. The internal mirror and cross-wire assembly enabled armourers and gunnery instructors to inspect rifling, corrosion, erosion and obstructions. The instrument is engraved to the Explosives Department, HMS Excellent, the Royal Navy's famous Gunnery School and Admiralty experimental establishment at Whale Island, Portsmouth. Throughout the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries, HMS Excellent was responsible for naval gunnery instruction, ordnance trials and the development and testing of naval weapons and fire-control equipment. Unlike the common rifle bore viewers encountered today, this is a substantially built naval pattern instrument with direct departmental provenance, making it a highly desirable collectable for Royal Navy, naval ordnance and military engineering collections. Features Original Royal Navy bore reflector / barrel inspection viewer Engraved EXPL. DEPT. H.M.S. EXCELLENT Heavy brass and steel construction Internal inspection mirror Cross-wire viewing system Hinged locking arm Genuine Royal Navy ordnance equipment Scarce departmental-marked example Condition is good original collector's condition with age-related wear and patina. Please refer to the photographs as they form part of the description.