Binoculars - Fernglas 08 - 1910-1920 - Germany - E. Leitz Wetzlar
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Two pairs of WWI German E. Leitz Wetzlar Fernglas 08 binoculars, dating to 1915 and 1916 respectively, Galilean system, with serials 26788 and 43138, both tested and working, weighing about 922 g and 692 g, supplied with leather cases (one square-profile with lid, one rounded case missing its lid) and in fair to good condition.
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Description from the seller
Two Pairs of WWI German Military Binoculars – E. Leitz Wetzlar Fernglas 08.
A unique chronological pair of Fernglas 08 military binoculars, both produced by the legendary E. Leitz Wetzlar during the First World War. Notably, both instruments remain in full working order, a rarity for optics of this vintage.
Item 1: The 1915 "Early-War" Set (Serial No. 26788)
This is the older of the two units, manufactured in 1915. It is housed in the distinctive square-profile leather case.
Exceptional Feature: The interior lid retains its original Gebrauchsanweisung (instruction label). This rare paper document remains crisp and legible, detailing the "Augenabstand" (eye distance) and "Bildeinstellung" (focusing) procedures for the soldier.
Condition: Reasonable/Good condition with a well-preserved field finish.
Optics: Fully functional and clear, with smooth movement in the individual eyepiece focus rings and the central clamping screw.
Item 2: The 1916 "Battle-Hardened" Set (Serial No. 43138)
Produced just one year later in 1916, this set provides a fascinating contrast in wartime evolution.
Case: Housed in a standard-issue rounded leather case missing it's lid.
Condition: Poor/Aged ("Salty" look). This unit shows heavy signs of field use, including finish loss and oxidation on metal components, though it remains structurally sound.
Optics: Despite its rugged exterior, this pair is also in full working order with functional lenses and mechanical adjustments.
Technical Specifications
Manufacturer: E. Leitz Wetzlar, Germany.
Model: Fernglas 08 (Galilean System).
Dating: 1915 and 1916.
Weight: Approximately 922g (earlier example) and 692g.
Seller's Story
Welcome to Beautiful Old England. We specialise in Antiquarian Books, Antique Surgical Instruments, art and collectibles from old England, for collectors all over the world. We have supplied customers in over 30 countries, nearly all with same day despatch.
Two Pairs of WWI German Military Binoculars – E. Leitz Wetzlar Fernglas 08.
A unique chronological pair of Fernglas 08 military binoculars, both produced by the legendary E. Leitz Wetzlar during the First World War. Notably, both instruments remain in full working order, a rarity for optics of this vintage.
Item 1: The 1915 "Early-War" Set (Serial No. 26788)
This is the older of the two units, manufactured in 1915. It is housed in the distinctive square-profile leather case.
Exceptional Feature: The interior lid retains its original Gebrauchsanweisung (instruction label). This rare paper document remains crisp and legible, detailing the "Augenabstand" (eye distance) and "Bildeinstellung" (focusing) procedures for the soldier.
Condition: Reasonable/Good condition with a well-preserved field finish.
Optics: Fully functional and clear, with smooth movement in the individual eyepiece focus rings and the central clamping screw.
Item 2: The 1916 "Battle-Hardened" Set (Serial No. 43138)
Produced just one year later in 1916, this set provides a fascinating contrast in wartime evolution.
Case: Housed in a standard-issue rounded leather case missing it's lid.
Condition: Poor/Aged ("Salty" look). This unit shows heavy signs of field use, including finish loss and oxidation on metal components, though it remains structurally sound.
Optics: Despite its rugged exterior, this pair is also in full working order with functional lenses and mechanical adjustments.
Technical Specifications
Manufacturer: E. Leitz Wetzlar, Germany.
Model: Fernglas 08 (Galilean System).
Dating: 1915 and 1916.
Weight: Approximately 922g (earlier example) and 692g.
Seller's Story
Welcome to Beautiful Old England. We specialise in Antiquarian Books, Antique Surgical Instruments, art and collectibles from old England, for collectors all over the world. We have supplied customers in over 30 countries, nearly all with same day despatch.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Number of items
2
Manufacturer/ Brand
E. Leitz Wetzlar
Model/ type nr
Fernglas 08
Country of origin
Germany
Physical condition
Fair
Functional condition
Tested and working
Height
14 cm
Width
15 cm
Depth
7 cm
Estimated period
1910-1920
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