BACKGROUND: The German Armed Forces 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. Although the Kriegsmarine utilized the standard 6 x 30 power binoculars they tended to use the larger power binoculars to a greater extent then the other branches of service. Generally Kriegsmarine binoculars issued to sea-going vessels did not incorporate the reticle pattern as found on the standard issue binoculars.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Tooled alloy and aluminum construction, 6 x 30, power, binoculars with black bakelite and simulated leather fittings. The lens bodies retain all of their simulated, grained black leather coverings with one small tear and the alloy and aluminum fittings retain about 65% of their original, smooth, black painted finish with spots of wear to the base alloy. The binoculars have molded, black bakelite eye sockets and the focus adjustment still functions. The optics are just slightly smoky. One of the bakelite eye sockets has a fair sized chip. The binoculars have no reticle pattern. The central, lens, joining bracket with swivel width adjustment is intact and still functions. The right hand side, ocular end, body panel is well marked with impressed designation, "Marineglas", the power, "6X" and a serial number, "472231". The left hand side, ocular end, body panel is also well marked with the impressed manufacturer’s name and location, "Carl Zeiss Jena". The binoculars come with their original chocolate brown leather carrying strap. The carrying strap is attached to two, raised, cut-out bars on the bottom of the binocular lens bodies with magnetic, sheet metal, stud retainers. The strap shows light to moderate chafe wear and the leather is still quite supple.

GRADE ***1/2                             PRICE $476.00