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My other half's father has a Scout Regiment sniper's spotting scope in excellent condition. I've gently stripped, cleaned and oiled it (internal threads only, just enough to stop it squeaking when unscrewed).

The draws are all dry and I don't want to oil those as it'll attack the leather and probably the packing of the glands. What's the best grease (?) to use for this?

Also, the object glass cell's milled ring seems to be seized and so the unit can't be removed from the front draw to clean the lenses. Is there a method of unsticking it?

Best grease thats easily found is KoChoLine. The traditional ones would not harm the scope or leather, but may not be as easy to locate...

In drawing/closing, NEVER pull in a straight line, ALWAYS rotate the drawer as it is moving in either direction.

To unfree the stuck draw, try a 4lb lump hammer. The results will be spectacular...post before & after photos.
OR, try to use Kroil or Eds Red or a similar magical lotion that has a "seeking" action...sometimes warming the thing with a hairdryer may unseize it enough. It may be down to old lubricant or something.

Will give that a try next time I visit, ta. I'll upload some pics of it when I get home, it's a good scope. Was clearly reading the markings on a Sea King at half a mile's distance earlier today.

Newboy - so stepping gently into the water - and need to get posts going.

I would second Saddlers advice - try to gently warm it first - old scopes often stick on congealed lubricant.

John