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German Theater glasses page 8 pages: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (8 a)
Carl Zeiss theater glasses:
Teleater 3 x 13,5 - CZJ; Theatis 3,5 x 15 -CZJ; Teletur 6 x 15 CZJ & Telescope Magnifier; Diadem 3,6 x 12 CZ West Germany; Diadem 3,6 x 12 other produc.
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We are presenting the theater glasses in our collection. This model was well known and produced in a quantity. Mostly they preserved very well to the present time. The theater glasses were produced for a specific customers: for wealthy people coming from a higher social level.
The binoculars were designed in a very elegant style and finished off with an elegant way; often covered with fine leather; with gilt ends or with lizard de luxe leather and with gilt ends and mother of pearl covering. The cases were the same kind of leather. Some cases were flat for men and for ladies were cases fitted with mirror, handle and card-case.
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Carl Zeiss Jena - Teleater 3 x 13,5;
produced 1907-1929
We have three pairs of this model, manufactured by Carl Zeiss Jena.
Thomas Antoniades an English collector and researcher in the binoculars field, says: “The early Teleater did not have any interocular disk and instead had a simple unmarked flat disk. At some point in late 1909 the flat disk was replaced with a traditional disk showing the usual interocular markings (60...70). Otherwise the design remained largely unchanged.”
The binoculars were often covered with black leather; with gilt ends or with lizard de luxe leather and with gilt ends and mother of pearl covering.
Teleater No 1118943; T.Antoniades collection; © picture Thomas Antoniades
In 2004 in the Journal of the Zeiss Historica (Volume 26 No.2) was published the article “Zeiss Theatres Binoculars” by Nicholas Grossman. The author says: “The earliest listing and description of the 3 x 13.5 Teleater binocular that I have been able to find is the Zeiss Field Glasses catalog, Tele-140, dated 1912.
This publication tells us: The Zeiss Teleater is an opera glass in which the characteristic features of a prism binocular - its exquisite definition and above all a large field - are present in an eminent degree. With a magnifying power of 3-diameters, which has been found from experience to be the best power to use in the theatre, the 'Teleater' embraces at a distance of 100 yards a scene extending over 21 yards. A spectator seated at a distance of 23 yards from the stage .can therefore, without moving the head, see all that is contained within a radius of about 7 feet (2.13m). [...] The 'Teleater' glass is supplied either in elegant leather covering and black mounts, or, a Modèle de Luxe, with gilt mounts and covered with lizard skin. The glass is usually carried by a rolled gold chain which secures it gracefully to a lady's hand”
The article was kindly sent by Thomas Antoniades.
It is binocular with Porro I optical system. The binocular does not give increased stereo effects, as it is not desirable for use in theater environment.
The binoculars were listed in the Zeiss Catalogue in 1912.
The binocular was produced much earlier. The English collector -Thomas Antoniades; has in his collection this model given as a present in 1908 - the year and the dedication of the present is visible in the box.
Teleater No 143203; T.Antoniades collection;© picture Thomas Antoniades
T. Antoniades possess Teleater with production No 120987, as well.
The binocular is listed in Zeiss Catalogue T380 E (English edition); published in April 1928 (in our collection):
However, in the Zeiss catalogue, published in June 1929 - T 411 English edition (in our collection) is listed Teleater 3 x 13,5; Style - Mother of pearl and gold, with or without extensible mother-of-pearl.
n the Zeiss catalogue - T500E; published in June 1931 (in our collection) it is no longer listed Teleater model.
Our binoculars are in black and gold version.
Technical features:
- The binocular is central focusing;
- The exit pupil - 4,5;
- Field of view - 23 m to 100 m distance;
- Ability to focus very closed;
- weight - 210 grams.
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Teleater 3x; Production number 272190 - 1910/1911
 
Teleater 3x; Production number 465832 - 1915
  Teleater 3x 13,5; Production number 1063083 - ca 1921
This model has additional description on the right plate - 3 x 13,5 - magnification and the objective diameter. Next additional feature is gilt metal fittings for a handle (right picture). According to the Zeiss Catalogue T500E (in our collection) this model was produced for ladies.
 
Other features are the same as in model produced in 1910/1911.
All pictures © Anna Vacani
Zeiss catalogue T 411 Engl. - June 1929
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Carl Zeiss Jena - Theatis 3,5 x 15 - 1949
Next model of the theater glasses was - Theatis. We have this model in our collection as well.
Nicholas Grossman in his article (mentioned above) says: “ The next Zeiss Field Glasses catalog is number T-500, dated 1931. It no longer offered the Teleater models, replacing them with a new design called the Theatis”.
However, in our collection is a Zeiss catalogue, published in June 1929 (look at Teleater description), the new model Theatis is described and are offered both models: Teleater and Theatis.
In the Zeiss catalogue - T500E; published in June 1931 (in our collection) is presented the Theatis model.
In this catalogue are illustrated only two cases: ‘vest-pocket’ and “the de luxe leather [...] case to match [binocular]”.
Theatis was produced after the war as well. In the Zeiss catalogue; published in 1950 this model is listed
As it is visible in the three of the catalogues technical parameters and the external appearance is not changed.
After Germany were divided into two countries, Carl Zeiss Jena has discontinued some binocular models, nevertheless the Theatis 3,5 x 15 model was produced for many years.
In our collection is a leaflet “Carl Zeiss Jena; sole importers for the United Kingdom” ; published in June 1963. In the list of the Carl Zeiss Jena Binoculars with central focusing are listed Theatis 3,5 x 15; black in plain and fancy cases; and gold model in fancy case.
Next leaflet in our collection, published ca 1977-1978, is listed for sale in the United Kingdom - Zeiss Theatis 3,5 x 15 with the following description: “The finest theatre glasses in production”.
Technical features:
- Magnification is 3,5 and diameter of the objective is 15 mm;
- The binocular is central focusing; the focusing wheel is differently designed and placed, comparing to Teleater model; Pictures 1 & 3->
- The exit pupil - 4,3;
- Field of view - 19,2 yds to 100 yards distance; ;
- weight - 170 grams.
- our model was produced ca 1949 and oculars and objective lenses are bloomed. Picture 4 & 5 ->
- The covering of the case is much weaker then production from 1931. However, this shape of the case was not listed in Zeiss catalogues before the war.
- As it is visible in the picture from Zeiss catalogue - 1950, it was produced in three colours: black, silver and gold. The cases are in three shapes as well: mirror case; zipper pouch; leather purse (‘vest-pocket’).
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Zeiss catalogue T500E - June 1931
Picture from Zeiss catalogue - published in 1950
Theatis 3,5 x 15; Production number 2442900
 
Picture 1 & 2; Theatis in our collection; © Anna Vacani
Picture 3 & 4; Theatis with bloomed lenses in our collection; © Anna Vacani
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Carl Zeiss Jena - Teletur 6 x 15 - 1910 - 1927
Next model of the theater glasses - Teletur is in our collection. This model has higher magnification than models presented above. Teletur is well described in the book by Dr Hans Seeger (blue). The description of this model is delivered from that book.
This model appeared in the market in 1909/1910, but in November 1907, Zeiss Optic Newsletter announced of the availability of a new Theater glass - Teleater.
In the Zeiss catalogue T 136 - July 1910 second edition of the 1910, we can read “Due to the great applause which our opera glasses "Teleater" has been found, we are now bringing out a similar light travel glass "Teletur", which should be particularly welcome the ladies.”
Teletur is listed, in the price list, in 1927. It was presumably last year of the production. In 1928, in our catalogue it is not listed.
The Teletur was supplied in brown rigid case (Pict 1) or in soft bag made from calf leather.
This model was produced in gold version as well.
Technical features:
It is Porro I of the optic system.
The design of the binocular body is the same as Teleater (described on this page).
At the beginning of the production of this model, on the right plate was engraved only the binocular’s magnification (Pict 5). Later on it was added the objective diameter (Pict 1 & 2).
- Magnification is 6x; diameter of the objective is 15 mm;
- The binocular is central focusing;
- The exit pupil - 2,5 mm;
- Field of view - 123 m to 1000 m distance; ;
- weight - 215 grams.
Our binocular in the pictures - 3 & 4 & 5 the right eyecup (red) is not original.
Other information - Fernrohrlupen
After the introduction of the 3x Teleater, in the Zeiss catalogue 1908/09 was presented Fernrohrlupen - telescope magnifier or telescope loupe in English or Tele-Loupes in French language. It was a compact high quality binocular and consequently, in the Teleater model, offered 6 x magnification. The viewer was able to use device as a low power stereo microscope with a convenient working distance from the subject being observed (Pict 6).
It was obtained by adding an auxiliary set of positive diopter lens to the front of the binocular.
The Teleater and Teletur models were presumably chosen for this device because of the close installation of the objective lenses and allowing the system to be properly collimated. Many single close-up lenses were available for the 3 x; 6x (including Silvamar models) and 8x binoculars, and monoculars of the time, according to Zeiss catalogues in our collection.
The device was supplied with several components parts: eyepieces with tall or flat cups; correction lens for attachments; telescopic objectives; front lenses; the handle with a fitting; illuminating short lamp as an attachment; head band (Pict 8);head clip (Pict 9); and some stands with sliding bar for focussing. In this way, it could have been used in many fields.
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Teletur 6 x 15; Production number 451265
 
Picture 1 & 2; Teletur in our collection; © Anna Vacani
Teletur 6 x 15; Production number 268166
 
Picture 3 & 4 & 5; Teletur in our collection; © Anna Vacani
 
Pict 6; Leaflet Med. 3 in Germ; CZJ; 1913 Pict 7; Leaflet Med. 124 in Eng.; CZJ; IX 1924
 
Pict 8; Leaflet Med. 3 in Germ; CZJ; 1913 Pict 9; Leaflet Med. 3 in Germ; CZJ; 1913 |
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Carl Zeiss West Germany
Diadem - 3,6 x 12
It is a peculiar model of the theater glasses - Diadem The binoculars was not produced in Jena. The description clearly shows, that it was manufactured in West Germany.
The Senior Manager Customer Service of Carl Zeiss Sports Optics GmbH; Carl Zeiss Gruppe -Klaus Felgenhauer says: “According to our files, your Carl Zeiss West Germany Diadem - 3,6 x 12, serial# 1904917 was manufactured in 1985. The time of the production of the Diadem CZ West Germany was from 1984 until 1996”.
On 24 of June 1985 “Der Spiegel” announced that opera- theatre glass Diadem 3,6 x 12, as new model appeared on the market. (look at the link at the bottom of the article).
As we are reading on Carl Zeiss web site: “ The history of Carl Zeiss in Oberkochen began at the end of World War II in 1945 when leading employees from Carl Zeiss Jena were taken to Heidenheim by American forces. In 1946, the Opton Optische Werke Oberkochen GmbH was a subsidiary of the Carl Zeiss Foundation. The new company set up shop in empty factory buildings in Oberkochen.[...] First, the company was renamed to Zeiss-Opton Optische Werke Oberkochen GmbH in 1947 and then to Carl Zeiss in 1951[...on 1 October 1964]. All binoculars from Carl Zeiss Oberkochen are manufactured in Wetzlar.” as we are reading further: “In 1928 Carl Zeiss Foundation acquires majority share in the company [Hensoldt AG Wetzlar] .” Since 1928 Hensoldt AG became a part of the Carl Zeiss Group.
West German Zeiss products were labeled Carl Zeiss West Germany or labeled Opton for sale in the Eastern bloc, while East German Zeiss products were labeled "Zeiss Jena" for sale in Western countries.
Margaret Thatcher received Diadem 3,6 x 12 Carl Zeiss West Germany as a present from Helmut Kohl at a meeting in Deidesheim (Southwestern Germany) on April 30, 1989.
Helmut Kohl as Chancellor of Germany from 1982 to 1998 (of West Germany 1982-90; and of the reunited Germany 1990-1998). (Pict 6)
Technical features:
It is a Schmidt-Pechan prism the optic system. This kind of prism is sometimes named a Pechan prism pair, because it is a composition of two prisms, separated by an air gap. (Pict 7)
The lenses are fully coated. In this kind of prism the surfaces must be optically coated to minimize losses.
The body has a new modern shape as a theater glass. It is lighter than Teleater and Teletur. The body is built from alloy and finished in dark brown color. The plates are gold plated with the description on them: on the left side - Diadem and on the right side Carl Zeiss West Germany (Pict 1 & 2). Visually it looks as the binocular body is connected with two metal covers around the left and the right body tubes. It is finished off with a very weak veneer, with a leather pattern.
On the right side is a hole to insert the chain. (Pict. 2 & 5)
The binocular is in a soft plastic case with the gold letters description - Zeiss West Germany. (Pict 1)
Our binocular has not been wrapped with a tissue and a part of the cover was stuck to the interior of the case.
- Magnification is 3,6x; diameter of the objective is 12 mm;
- The binocular is central focusing; short focus as of 1,5 m;
- The exit pupil - 3,3 mm;
- Field of view - 20 m/ 11,5Ëš at 100 m distance;
- Height / width - 61 mm / 95 mm - at 65 mm PD width
- weight - 175 grams.
The binocular
Production number 1904917
The whole description was delivered from:
- http://corporate.zeiss.com/history/en_gb/locations/oberkochen.html#Introduction
- BBC information;
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schmidt%E2%80%93Pechan_prism
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binoculars
- http://www.spiegel.de/spiegel/print/d-13515963.html
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Pict 1 & 2 ;Diadem 3,6 x 12 in our collection; © Anna Vacani
  
Pict 3 & 4 & 5; Diadem 3,6 x 12 in our collection; © Anna Vacani
Pict 6; Photo courtesy of BBC – documentary film about Margaret Thatcher, broadcasted on her remembrance.
 
Pict 7; Photos from web site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schmidt%E2%80%93Pechan_prism
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Carl Zeiss Diadem - 3,6 x 12
The description on the leaflets added to the binocular there are information, that the binocular was produced by Carl Zeiss Sport Optics; Gloelstrasse 3-5; D-35576 Wetzlar.
On the web site - Zeiss.de is said that the Hensoldt AG, was renamed to Carl Zeiss Sports Optics GmbH on 1 October 2006.
The binocular is packed in a box carrying the Zeiss logo. (Pict 3 & 4 )
On a quarantee card is the date of sale: 18.05.2004 and the stamp of the shop - Hagen Leupold Optic Joh-Seb-Bach-Str. 41; 16866 Kyritz, in Germany. (Pict 7)
On this issue the Senior Manager Customer Service of Carl Zeiss Sports Optics GmbH -Klaus Felgenhauer has answered: “All binoculars and riflescopes manufactured for the civil market by Hensoldt were sold under ZEISS brand since 1962. So, the guarantee document added to the binoculars are not and cannot be linked to the year the Hensoldt AG was renamed to Carl Zeiss Sports Optics GmbH in 2006. The card looks like this many years before. “
We have carefully looked at the card and it was printed in 2002. It turns out that a person completed the card did not have knowledge of the history of the Company.
Technical features:
The technical features are nearly the same as the Diadem described above -Carl Zeiss West Germany.
It has the Schmidt-Pechan prism optical system as well.
Unfortunately, the prism system on this Diadem model, exhibits a ghost image to the bottom of the exit pupil:
This is light from the objective lens that does not pass through the exit pupil to the eye. As a result the light transmission is poor compared to the Wetzlar produced model.
This problem does not appears on the West Germany model:
The same ghost image are observed in the Russian Foton 5 x 25; and Zeiss West 10 x 40 and 7 x 42 roof prism ,as well. I t is a major optical defect.
Differences in the binoculars
- The first:
except of the name Diadem, we cannot to find further description; as a magnification and an objectives diameter. (Pict 8)
This notification we can find only on the box (Pict 5)
- Next:
On the bending bar we can see information, that the binocular was designed by Carl Zeiss (Pict 6)
- In the hole to insert the chain is mounted a hook for fitting a wrist strap, which is added to the binocular as an accessories.
The binocular production
The Carl Zeiss has been transformed into a “Zeiss Group” of the companies in: Germany, Europe, Americas, Asia (India & China) and other.
For instant in Europe, in Hungary Zeiss division, is produced - Zeiss Diafun 8 x 30 and other optic.
As we are reading in “Annul Report 2011/2012; Carl Zeiss Group: “The Carl Zeiss Group comprises five business groups with the total of 13 divisions,[...] which operate on the market as autonomous units in their own right, develop, produce and distribute optical system[...] Carl Zeiss operates in over 40 countries around the globe [and is Headquarter in Oberkochen Germany], and has over 40 manufacturing sites and around 50 sales and service companies worldwide As the of reporting date (30 September 2012) [...].
Germany -12 production sites ; Europe (inc. Germany) - 24 production sites in 8 countries, 29 sales & service sites in 20 countries; Asia/Australia 7 production sites in 4 countries; Americas 8 production sites in 4 countries; Africa/ Middle East 2 production sites in 2 countries. ”
Our Diadem 3,6 x 12 was produced in China, it was confirmed by a representer of a Carl Zeiss Service Site.
All Diadem 3,6 x 12 sold in the USA are marked “Made in China”.
 
Picture from; http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=120669
The quality of China production is very poor compared to the original Diadem model made in Wetzlar and does not deserve to be sold as a Zeiss product.
The whole description was delivered from:
- http://sportsoptics.zeiss.com/company/de_de/innovation---tradition.html#Zeitstrahl
- Carl Zeiss web site
- http://corporate.zeiss.com/content/dam/Corporate/Campaign/Annual%20Report/Downloads/PDF/eng/cz_ar2012.pdf
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Pict 1 & 2; Diadem 3,6 x 12 in our collection; © Anna Vacani
 
Pict 3 & 4; The box of the Diadem 3,6 x 12 & the contest of the packing; an instruction, a guarantee and an optical cleaning cloth;© Anna Vacani
 
Pict 5; the description on the box; Pict 6; description on the bending bar; © Anna Vacani
Pict 7; the guarantee card of the binocular; © Anna Vacani
 
Pict 8; the top plates of both models; Pict 9; the objectives & focus wheels © Anna Vacani
Pict 9; Accessories of the binocular © Anna Vacani
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pages: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (8a)
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