Sniffer, Model 303, Baby! 
I picked this little number up for $16.49 (although I got hit on the shipping, but it’s worth it).
From the original picture, it did look a bit of a wreck, the larger ones I was sent after asking for more showed it to be not as bad, but in the state it appeared to be, I didn’t want to spend too much in the possibility it may not be salvageable.
Eventually I won it (few other bidders, guess the look of it worked in my favour) and so began the shipping process that took just over a week, and what do I find when I get home today, but a nice big parcel in my front hall!
Now as it happened, whilst it was en-route I’d purchased a Sphygmomanometer for $12.91:
The bulb’s as good as any other, but looks like it could be close to the design as seen in the movie. The tubing is less accurate, as the one that connects the bulb to the Sniffer was yellow… however this is something I may change at a later date… or not bother with at all.
Ever wanted to know what was on the inside of a Bacharach Sniffer?
Electronics, lots and lots of electronics! And all covered to some degree in grime, and quite possibly long-dried battery acid, thanks to the four D cells that were left inside for God only knows how long.
Also included was a long, rubber-ended probe:
Initially I considered asking the seller not to send it, just the Sniffer and the rubber tubes as I didn’t think it would be of any use…
boy am I glad I didn’t make that request. Upon dismantling the probe I found a thinner mental inner tube within the larger one, which looked to be about the right size for the one Murray had. Not sure if it is, but seeing as I got it free gratis, I’m not going to complain. The thicker tube also had two plastic end caps which might just work for a handle. I’ll see how it looks as I spent some time with it this weekend, and maybe also get a trip out to B&Q.
And finally, most of the collected components in one sitting:
The Sniffer cleaned up a real treat, thanks to Mr. Muscle. Whilst there are marks of use, the most significant on the stickers, it’s overall in good condition… although I have no idea if it works.
Sadly it was missing its shoulder strap which was unfortunate, but after a half hour of struggling to get the seized bolts undone I was finally able to get access to the plastic loops for the strap and feed in some old shoulder strap ajusters from a dead rucksack. They fit like a dream.
Now I just have to wait for my Mum to sew it together.
In matters concerning sewing, I am not afraid to say my mother is more skilled than I.
I will update once the strap is done, and to cover any progress made on rigging up the rubber components and probe.
Additionally, because the lack of decent info halted my attempt to build a replica Sniffer (which in some ways wound up being beneficial), I will eventually be uploading elevation illustrations with measurements for people to use to build their own Sniffer replicas.
