Binoculars - 1920-1930 - Carl Zeiss Jena





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Compact Carl Zeiss Jena Turolem 4x20 binoculars, serial about 3,577,712, manufactured in 1920–1925 in Jena, Germany, with 4× magnification, 20 mm objective, central focus, black textured body, original leather strap, and a Prague imperial case, in good tested condition with a slight internal haze.
Description from the seller
Compact binoculars Carl Zeiss Jena Turolem 4x20 (magnification 4x, objective 20 mm), vintage civilian model from the 1920s-1925 (serial number ≈ 3577712). Made in Jena (Germany) by Carl Zeiss, a legendary optics brand.
• Magnification: 4x (wide field, bright – perfect for horse racing, theater, hiking, general observation where portability matters)
• Objective diameter: 20 mm
• Central focusing (smooth wheel)
• Black textured body, center bridge engraved “TUROLEM” and “CARL ZEISS JENA”
• Approximate dimensions: 10 cm × 7 cm × 5 cm – very light and portable
• Original leather strap
Binoculars 100% functional and usable for everyday purposes (precise focusing, clear vision for normal use). Presence of a slight haze/clouding internally (small amount of cloudiness/haze, typical of century-old optics – no major fungus or separation). This slightly reduces contrast in low light or backlighting, but remains acceptable for daytime or racing observation (not bothersome for most uses).
Original hard black leather case (oval shape, good condition with patina):
• Interior gold stamped: “A. Rosenthal, K.u.K. Hofoptiker u. Mechaniker, Prag – Graben 10”
• Austro-Hungarian imperial double-headed eagle (K.u.K. = court optician)
• Functional strap and clasp – rare and collectible!
Launched in 1913 (along with the individual-focus Turol), produced until 1929 (with WWI pause 1914-1918). Serial ≈ 3577712 → manufacture 1920-1925 (late post-war version). Authentic pre-WWII, highly sought by Zeiss collectors for its compactness.
Excellent condition for age – body without breaks, precise adjustments. Normal aesthetic wear (light scratches, patina). No repairs. Slight haze mentioned honestly (through-optics photos included).
Rare collector’s piece with Prague imperial case – ideal for vintage Zeiss optics enthusiasts or Austro-Hungarian history.
Compact binoculars Carl Zeiss Jena Turolem 4x20 (magnification 4x, objective 20 mm), vintage civilian model from the 1920s-1925 (serial number ≈ 3577712). Made in Jena (Germany) by Carl Zeiss, a legendary optics brand.
• Magnification: 4x (wide field, bright – perfect for horse racing, theater, hiking, general observation where portability matters)
• Objective diameter: 20 mm
• Central focusing (smooth wheel)
• Black textured body, center bridge engraved “TUROLEM” and “CARL ZEISS JENA”
• Approximate dimensions: 10 cm × 7 cm × 5 cm – very light and portable
• Original leather strap
Binoculars 100% functional and usable for everyday purposes (precise focusing, clear vision for normal use). Presence of a slight haze/clouding internally (small amount of cloudiness/haze, typical of century-old optics – no major fungus or separation). This slightly reduces contrast in low light or backlighting, but remains acceptable for daytime or racing observation (not bothersome for most uses).
Original hard black leather case (oval shape, good condition with patina):
• Interior gold stamped: “A. Rosenthal, K.u.K. Hofoptiker u. Mechaniker, Prag – Graben 10”
• Austro-Hungarian imperial double-headed eagle (K.u.K. = court optician)
• Functional strap and clasp – rare and collectible!
Launched in 1913 (along with the individual-focus Turol), produced until 1929 (with WWI pause 1914-1918). Serial ≈ 3577712 → manufacture 1920-1925 (late post-war version). Authentic pre-WWII, highly sought by Zeiss collectors for its compactness.
Excellent condition for age – body without breaks, precise adjustments. Normal aesthetic wear (light scratches, patina). No repairs. Slight haze mentioned honestly (through-optics photos included).
Rare collector’s piece with Prague imperial case – ideal for vintage Zeiss optics enthusiasts or Austro-Hungarian history.

