BACKGROUND: The German army used a wide variety of optical enhancement items with the 6 x 30 power, (6 power magnification with a 30mm diameter objective lens), binoculars being the standard issue optics utilized by all branches of service. Although the 6 x 30 power binoculars were the standard issue, specialized personnel such as artillery observers, reconnaissance personnel, searchlight personnel, etc., required stronger optics and assorted larger power binoculars were issued to these specialized personnel on a limited basis. One of the larger, power optical enhancement items were the unique 10 x 50 power, observers "Rabbit Ear" field glasses that were designed for stationary use by observers, and artillery commanders and were issued with a mounting tripod, carrying case and accessories. Although intended for observers and artillery commanders the "Rabbit Ear", field glasses also saw limited use by other stationary personnel. The unique design of the "Rabbit Ear" glasses enabled the operator to fold the vertical, lens bodies downward into a diagonally angled or horizontal position for a wider field of vision. This folding capability also permitted the field glasses to be mounted directly onto a tree with the lenses folded outward to either side of the tree trunk, providing a clear field of vision and also protecting the operator. The accessories for the "Rabbit Ear" glasses included an attachable light for enhanced night vision which came housed in a specific case.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly, 8" tall, 4 1/2" wide, 2 3/8" thick, simulated, grained, tan leather, Presstoff construction "Rabbit Ear" glasses light accessory case with machine stitched seams and leather and steel fittings. The case has a fold over, top flap with a rivetted on, horizontal leather hinge to the reverse and a rivetted on, vertical, spring loaded, sheet metal closure clip with a cut-out stud eyelet and a Presstoff pull tab to the obverse. The closure clip affixes to a rivetted on, extended steel stud situated on the front body of the case. The reverse of the case has two, stitched on, vertical, leather belt loops. One side of the case is well marked with a blackened, impressed waffen-amt and the manufacturer’s three letter code and date, "ddx 1943" indicating manufacture by Voigtländer & Sohn A.-G of Braunschweig in 1944. The interior of the case has a single compartment and the interior of the fold over flap has an additional, small Presstoff pocket with dual, sheet metal snap closure. The interior of the small pocket has a natural wood frame with four small drilled holes for extra light bulbs and two light bulbs are included. The case is in overall very good condition with light to moderate surface spotting to the steel fittings and minor age and usage toning.

GRADE ***3/4                             PRICE $238.00