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7 x 50 beh - 1940
Produced by Leitz, Ernst, G.m.b.H., Wetzlar - war time code - ‘beh’ *).
The binocular was manufactured for Kriegsmarine.
As Dr. Stephen Rohan pointed in his book:   ‘This model is often photographed on U-boats, but was also used on other Kriegsmarine vessels and by the coastal artillery’.

It is a Porro II model. The field of view is 7.3 degrees; 128 meters at 1000 meters.

The body was built from alloy, covered with black leatherette. The binocular is rather light - 1185 grams, by its measurements: Height - 167 mm; Width - 180 mm.
The body design is very convenient. It is easy and safely to grip, particularly on a boat.
On the bending bar is a mounting for a spring loaded rain guard.
The plates are marked:
Left - 7 x 50; beh; (T); KF and production number;
Right - M, N 21788 and is engraved swastika.
The letter (T) does mean, the lenses are coated. The letters KF - cold resistant lubricant is applied.
The original black leather case with embodied logo ‘E.Leitz Wetzlar’ and ‘1940’. In side are 2 orange and 2 green filters.
Production number 320169.

*) The three-digit letter-group of: baa - bzz was published in February 1941 - ‘Liste der...’

7 x  50 beh - 1940 Artil. model
Produced by Leitz, Ernst, G.m.b.H., Wetzlar - war time code - ‘beh’
The body and optic features are similar as binocular - 7 x 50 beh described above. This model was produced for coast artillery.
This model has a factory fitted reticule in the right ocular which is rare to find. This reticule is fitted only to artillery marking model.

 
The original black leather case with embodied  ‘E.Leitz Wetzlar’ logo and 1939 year. Two pockets for filters are fitted into the case cover. On the top case are embodied swastika and letters ‘K’ and ‘M’.

         

The binocular has the Bakelite dark brown rain cover.
Production number 356253.

7 x 50 beh - U-boat
Produced by Leitz, Ernst, G.m.b.H., Wetzlar - war time code - ‘beh’.
The binocular was manufactured for Kriegsmarine: for use Kriegsmarine crafts.
It is a Porro II model. The field of view is 7.3 degrees; 128 meters at 1000 meters.
The body was built from alloy, covered with black textured paint. The binocular measurements are: Weight - 1400 grams; Height - 183 mm; Width - 202 mm.
The binocular’s rubber eye caps, objective protectors and bottom prism housing rubber are original. It is later rubber version, with eye cup locking device.
Under the left eye cap rubber is engraved: ‘beh’ ; 7x50 and production number.
Under both eye cup rubber, on the prism housing, are desiccant cartridges (visible on the first picture).
The case is original, with eagle swastika and letter ‘M’ on the top of the cover.
Production number 474230

Carl Zeiss Jena -  Asiola design - Telescope
The body is made from aluminium alloy, covered with green leather.
The objective and eye lens is bloomed.
The lens is fitted with removable orthoscopic eyepieces - 0.965 inch diameter f= 10 mm, made by Carl Zeiss Jena.
The lens is finished with a ring, built up from a heavy material - a plastic composition
The telescope is Porro II model. The focuser has  a helical mechanism.
The objective diameter is 63 mm;
The magnification is 42, with this telescope.
The telescope is very light - 1432 grams. The height - 425 mm
Presumable the telescope was used in the DDR army.
On the body is fitted an open sight, consisting of a notch and a spike (visible in the picture ->). On the body side is a mounting for a tripod.
The production number 18526.               

Gustav Heyde Dresden Telescope ca 1896 - 1900
Reading the history of Steinmeyer  Group Company, we learn: 
In 1872, when Gustav Heyde founded "Gustav Heyde - Mathematisch-mechanisches Institut Optische PrÃcizions-WerkstÃtten, his first products were optical components. Soon these were followed by circular dividing engines, the prism grindery, and industrially manufactured photographical lenses. By the start of the 20th century, the continuously growing company already sold its products worldwide including manufactured astronomical instruments, optical systems and geodesic measuring instruments. In 1912, the Company counted 200 employees.”
After the war, in 1948 the Gustav Heyde company changed name -VEB Optik Feinmess Dresden . Later, in 1970 the Company became a part of the Veb Carl Zeiss Jena. Finally, in 1992 Feinmess Dresden has became a part of Steinmeyer  Group
The Gustav Heyde Company published price list catalogues. We have found some - price lists for; Astronomical Instruments - in March 1905, Optics - January 1909, Part machines and auxiliary instruments - February 1911 and Astronomical Instruments -December 1912.
    
    1905                                              1909
 
         1911                                           1912
The company products were awarded since 1896 on the Dresdner commercial exhibition. The pictures of medals were placed in the 1905 catalogue, page 2.
More about our telescope, you can read, on the article: “Gustav Heyde Dresden Telescope ca 1896-1912”

                                                                                                                                                           
      Pict 1;2;3; Gustav Heyde telescope in our collection; ©Anna Vacani  
     

Carl Zeiss Jena - Binoctem 7 x 50 - 1986
The binocular was manufactured by Carl Zeiss Jena.
On  the left plate is engraved - DDR.
It is a Porro I model; fully multicoated.
The binocular is wide field view. The angle of view is engraved on the right plate: 7, 3 ˚; .128 meters at 1000 meters.
The exit pupil - 7,14 mm.
The body was built from alloy, covered with black imitation leather. The binocular measurements are: Weight - 1040 grams; Height - 170 mm; Width - 200 mm. The body is a new condition.
The binocular has central focusing.
The binocular is given very bright, sharp and clear picture.
The case has a texture finish.
The production number 6306941

Carl Zeiss Jena - Stenotar 5x12 ca 1923
The binocular was manufactured by Carl Zeiss Jena. The objectives and the oculars are built up from brass, the body is made from aluminium alloy.
Binocular Carl Zeiss Jena – Stenotar 5 x 12 has Sprenger Leman prism built-in.
The objectives are mounted close together. The reason of this design was to give not stereo perspective effect, and to make the binocular more compact design.
The binocular measurements are: Weight - 130 grams; Height - 55 mm; Width - 111 mm.
The objective diameter is - 12 mm; ocular - 9 mm; the exit pupil - 2.4 mm.
The eye width scale is engraved on the top of the binocular is  60 - 70 mm.
More about the binocular is on the “Unusual - optics” site in the article: “Zeiss 3 x 20 Teleplast and a comparison”

The production number 1229743


                                 

Carl Zeiss Jena - 7 x 50 H blc  Kriegsmarine - 1942
The binocular was manufactured by Carl Zeiss Jena at war time with blc marking.
Read more on “Kriegsmarine binoculars” page 2.

The production number 969

Teleplast Carl Zeiss Jena - 10 x 25



Our model of the teleplast was manufactured by Carl Zeiss Jena in 1915-1916. It was produced 1300 pieces. It was produced for military.
The body is built up from metal alloy, and finished with dark greenish texture paint. The original case matches the same colour. To the teleplast is fitted a wooden holding handle.
The weight of the telescope is 795 grams; height 260 mm in a vertical position.
On the internal prism sides are description:

       
Oculars are adjustable to + - 5 diopter.
Our telescope does not have any reticule.
The prism houses are in round shape.

              
The teleplast might be use as a periscope in the vertical position, when the object is in a hidden place or over obstacles. When the objective tubes are spread horizontally it gives much greater stereo effect. In this position the telescope is 472 mm width.
Field of view 3,7 degrees; 65 meters at 1000 meters.

The production number: 561816 - the number is listed as produced in 1915.
        

Winkelfernrohr (Binocular telescope) Carl Zeiss Jena - 10 x 26 (24) - 1916
The diameter of the objectives is given in two sizes because the external width is 26 mm, when real measurement of the objective inside is 24 mm.
This model of the binocular telescope was manufactured by Carl Zeiss Jena in 1916.
The body is built up from metal alloy, and finished with dark green smooth paint. The wooden handle is fitted like in the teleplast. This handle is marking with words: : “Los”  to loosen and “Fest” to tighten. Below each word is the arrow with direction.


 
The tubes are hinged together at the objectives. In this way it can be used as only telescope in the vertical position.
Above prism houses is fitted the metal strap around the tubes, which incorporate with eye width. The strap holds the handle and the eye width is engraved on the strap. Only the left tube is movable to let adjust the eye width. The right tube is fixed.



The prisms are cemented. The reticule is fitted in the right hand eyepiece tube with scale very clear but it is not possible to take a picture because of a very small lens.
As Dr Stephen Rohan says: “Special uses and unique features: This model was primarily used in trenches or artillery emplacements to view the top of the trench without subjecting the observer to unnecessary risk of injury”.
The original case of the periscope has a secret department inside of the cover. It is an advertisement of the Tessar lenses, from 1907 catalogue, for the cine camera produced by Carl Zeiss.
The complete periscope should have two hoods fitted over the objectives, our has only one hood.

The production number: 563467 - the number is listed as produced in 1915

Carl Zeiss Jena - 4 x (Fach Feldstecher) - ca 1904
The binocular is in perfect condition. It is in the original case with Tommy bar inside. Read more
The binocular is fitted with Porro I system.
The production number 3356 - placed on the frame

 

Carl Zeiss Jena - 8 x (Fach Feldstecher) - ca 1905
The left eyecup of the binocular is broken. The binocular is covered with black leather, in very good condition.
The optical system is the same as 4 x and the same eyepieces adjustment.
The binocular does not have a case and Tommy bar. 
The production number 44929 - placed on the frame

Carl Zeiss Jena - Feldstecher vergr 8; 8x20 ca 1902
This model (in our collection) was built before 1904. The date of production indicates the descriptions on the plates which are in handwriting font.  The production number suggests as it was produced ca. 1902-1903.
 It is a civilian model. The military version is described as D.F. 
Later models from 1904 had the modern style of Zeiss logo, shaped as the lens.
It was produced up to 1908.
Field of view of the binocular is 82 meters at 1000 meter.
Approximately, this model was produced in the amount of 60 thousand pieces.
External Features
The body is built from brass and aluminium, it is with leather covering.
 The eyecups are made from ebonite.  Every lens can be adjusted individually. On the focus adjustment rings are engraved graduation from -5 to +5 dioptre.
On the cover screw to axis is inter ocular distance scale (Pict 1). The adjustment of a distance between eyepieces is described on the page 2 of Educational tools produced by Carl Zeiss.
The Tommy bar is not in accessories with our binocular (Pict 3).
The binocular has straight prism housing covers, made from brass and black painted.  The plates are fitted with three tightening screws.
The description on the left plate is Carl Zeiss Jena DRP = Deutsches Reich’s Patent (Patent of the German Reich). 
  
The right plates – Feldstecher vergr 8 – Binoculars 8 magnification.
 
The objectives diameter is 20 mm.
The production numbers are placed on the folding bridge mount, as other early Carl Zeiss models – look German Binoculars page2.  The bridge and axes are made from brass.  The number refers only to this model. The numbers began from number “1”.  It is not a number of whole total Zeiss productions (Pict 4)

Internal Features
The binoculars is prismatic with Porro I optical system. In the eyepiece is a doublet cemented eye lens  and a single element field lens.
In the objective is a double element cemented achromat.

The binocular dimensions are:
Width fully extended, over the prism house – 140 mm (5 ½ in) and underneath of the objectives - 150 mm (5, 90 in); height - 110 – 120 mm (extended eyepieces).
The binocular weight is of 449 grams (0, 98 lb).

                                                      
                                                         Pict 1

                                                 
                                                      Pict 2
                                                   
                                                                
                                                              Pict 3

                                               
                             Pict 4; Production number

    Carl Zeiss Jena binocular 6x24 with the case for binocular 03 (Fernrohr 03)
   The binocular and original container in our collection was produced by Carl Zeiss Jena, ca 1916.
A few words about cases for binoculars – models 03 and 08
These cases and binoculars were produced ca from 1903 up to 1919 as indicated the German Army Official Regulation.  The cases were designed for binoculars named Fernrohr 03 and Fernglas 08.
The 03 binocular models and models 08 were produced by a few companies, at that time; among them were Carl Zeiss Jena, Goerz, Emil Busch Rathenow, Leitz Wetzlar, Voightlander Braunschweig, Schutz & Co.A-G Cassel and Spindler and Hayer Gottingen.
The cases produced by mentioned companies were embodied with own logo.

           
          Pict 1; C.P Goerz A.G. Berlin                          Pict 2; Emil Busch A.G. Rathenow

  The binocular containers for 03 and 08 models were a little different in shape. The shapes of 03 cases were in shape of a trapeze.
          
                  Pict 3; Our case CZJ for prismatic binocular Fernrohre 03

The 08 models containers were shaped of rectangular or similar to modern shapes.
                                                                      
Pict 4; Carl Zeiss Jena 08 case from an English collector                Pict 5; Emil Busch A.G. Rathenow 08 from Marco Bensi collection

 The case was attached to the users’ waist belt by two longer leather straps fitted at the rear side of the case. On this side was fitted a small metal buckle. All cases are fixed with this feature.
The carrying case was pinned by the buckle to the strap, hung on the neck of a soldier.
     
   Postcard 1916 – the soldier has two containers; one case contains a binocular other case spare rifle ammunitions.

We can learn about the production of the binoculars, and cases as well, from German Army official regulations.
You can read more about in our article “Goerz Optics” chapter 1. Galilean binoculars.
 Our CZJ case
The factory logo is still visible trough the metal buckle.
  Pict 6; CZJ logo embodied into the case

 The case is stitched and riveted black leather storage case, designed to hold 6 x 24 binocular.

               Pict 7; the CZJ case with binocular 6 x24

 The case has been constructed with stitching and rivets. The lid is secured by two short leather straps at each side (Pict 3). The lid of the case is fitted to the box by a leather strap with press-stud.
 The case is lined with white felt to protect the binocular when it is stored.

          
                                                                                                         Pict 8; the interior of the case, attachment to the waist belt and the lid
 In the lid of the case is inserted with instruction information (Pict 8).
 The instruction informs the user of binocular, how to adjust eye distance and focus on the binocular.
Gebrauchsanweisung für das Fernrohr 03 = Operating instructions for the binocular 03
Zum Einstellen auf Augenabstand = To adjust to eye distance the clamping screw is unscrewed to relaxed the joint, hold the glass aligned with the sky, moves the joint, until you simultaneously with both eyes you see a circular field. Read and note the number on the eye width scale! Retighten the clamping screw!
Das Einstellen auf Bildschärfe = Adjustment to Focus is done by setting the Eyepiece rings to „0“.  If you are not sufficient satisfied with the sharpness  rotate the eyepiece ring to the right or left - for each eye, until greatest sharpness is achieved. The glass is than set to a sharply focus on a distant object. Read and memorize of the graduation from the eyepiece ring! Check the setting by repeating!  and set eyepiece ring. Now  ready for use the binocular is  inserted into the case.
In addition to the clamping screw, locking screw,  the joint may not be loosened by other screws, the hinge screw must not be released after setting! The cleaning is done by wiping the outer objective and ocular surfaces with a soft cloth.
Above instruction has been translated by Google.

Later on, ca 1911/1912,  in the case was inserted the instruction for D.F. 6x30 - Gebrauchsanweisung für das Fernglass 03 (D.F. 6x30) = Operating Instructions for Binoculars 03 (D.F. 6x30) We can notice that the word for – binocular was changed from Fernrohr into Fernglass.
The changes of the name were regulated by German Army Official.

    The Carl Zeiss Jena binocular DF 6 x24, production number 701086
The binocular with 6, 4 and 8 magnifications were produced from 1894, as it was published in the Zeiss catalogue October 1894. The binocular 6x model, at that time, was produced with a smaller diameter of the objectives, only 15 mm. A few years later it was increased to 18 mm.
Model DF 6x (Doppel-Fernrohr) was introduced in German Army Official Regulation on 22 July 1902.
But the model DF 6x with 24 mm objectives diameter appeared ca 1907 – mentioned in Zeiss catalogue August 1907.  Later on the objective diameter was increased to 30 mm as it is visible on the lid of the cases.
The body of the model DF 6x was built up from different material through all production period.
 As Thomas Mix in his investigative article - Production changes in Zeiss binoculars from 1907 to 1917 (published 2005) says:
There are 3 or 4 parts on the binoculars where can best see production changes over the passage of time. These are:

         
    Pict 9; Production changes on CZJ binoculars, picture sent by by Thomas Mix; ©Thomas Mix

 The first models were built from brass, covered with the leather, and with long metal strip for strap lugs.
 Later on, the binoculars were built from aluminium with a shorter metal strip along body, and finished with a modern hook for strap.
As we are reading the description of the binocular 6x in “Handbook of Artillery Instruments 1914” London (in our collection):
          
                                          The pictures of all described models 6x from the book

 The bodies are castings of aluminium alloy, shaped internally to form seating for the prism, which are kept in position by means of springs pressing upon them. The exterior of the bodies is coated with hard ebonite molded to look like leather. The object glasses consist of two lenses cemented together with Canada balsam. [...] The eyepiece contains two lenses. The one nearest to the eye is achromatic, being made in two pieces cemented together, and the other one is a single lens. [..] The eyepiece adapters are made of brass and are screwed into the bodies. [...] When the interocular distance and the focus of each eye are once known, any binocular set to read them will be in correct adjustment for the user.
Ebonite eyecups are screwed on to the eyepiece. They are so shaped that they prevent extraneous light getting into the user’s eyes, and at the same time keep his eyes at the correct distance from the eye lenses.
At each end of the bodies are fitted brass cover plates.

Some of the model 6 xs had engraved the year of production, for instance 1910; 1914.
Our binocular was made in 1916, as indicates the production number of this model. Next feature indicating on the production time is the metal, which are body made from.
As Thomas Mix says:
Around Serial number 610.000 (Summer 1916) many parts that formerly were made out of brass are now made from a zinc alloy: top and bottom plates, washer, objective tubes, ocular unit.

  External features of our binocular
Our binocular has a special number on the edge of the bottom right plate. It is not readable completely – 341418(?). According to Thomas Mix information, the number indicates that the binocular was used in German Military, during WWI.
Thomas Mix says: “The little number refers to a second, a military  Zeiss numbering system that starts about  summer 1914 and goes up to the end of 1917 and disappears when the  military binoculars are marked "Dienstglas". The meaning  and the function is not entirely revealed.”

        Pict 10; the military number; © Anna Vacani

Additional military mark is the letter K on the right top hinge arm. It refers to:   K - Gewehr Prüfungskommission Spandau = Rifle Inspection Commission Spandau (Berlin). It was seen  binoculars, from that period, with the letter J which refers to the same Commission placed in Jnglostad (Bavaria).

               Pict 11; Letter K on the hinge arm of our binocular; ©Anna Vacani
The body and other parts is casting of zinc alloy, as it is described in the book from 1914; the body is coated with hard ebonite molded to look like leather.  In this model, on the body is no more the metal strap lugs for fitting the binocular strap. It is a hook as it is in modern binoculars.
           Pict 12, 13; CZJ 6x24 in our collection; © Anna Vacani
 On the top left plate is engraved CZJ logo and on the right is D.F. 6x and production number- 701086. The plates are black painted.

    Pict 14, 15; CZJ 6x24 in our collection, cover plates; © Anna Vacani

The plates are fitted with three screws.

The eyecups are made from ebonite. Focus adjustment rings are diagonal knurling and are engraved on them dioptric graduation from -5 to +5 dioptres.
The hinges are formed on projection from the bodies. The hinges are not as one construction with the cover plates, as it is in Zeiss London model, at that time.
On the cover screw to axes is placed scale of interocular distances from 54 to 74 millimeters.
 The distance between eyepieces can be preserve for the binocular user by fixing knob placed at the end of the hinge (Pict 12) Making a comparison to models 4x 8x and 8x20 describe on this site (above), the construction of fixing knob changed. The objective diameter is 24 mm.

   Internal features
The binocular is prismatic with Porro I optical system, through the lenses arrangements as it was described in the book published in 1914 (see above).
The military model (No 2, Mark II) -produced  for British Army is similar to the described model 6x24, except that the right eyepiece is fitted with a graticule engraved on it.

          Pict 16; Graticule fitted into military model 6x24- picture from Handbook 1914

  In German binoculars, even military models, the reticule was not always fitted.

  The binocular dimensions are:
Width fully extended, over the prism house –150 mm (5, 90 in) and underneath of the objectives – 155 mm (6 in); Height (extended eyepieces) -105 -115 mm (4, 13 in – 4, 52 in).
The binocular weight is of 1 lb 13 oz (822, 14 grams)

   Summarizing
Our zinc model D.F. 6x24 was manufactured from 1916 up to the end of WWI. After the war this model was not produced any more, as the German Army Regulation from 1919 stated. Only model D.F. 6x30 was continually produced after the WWI.
The D.F. 6x24 binoculars were produced for army, and they were inspected by military offices with their engraved stamps.
In recent time the binoculars models 03 or 08 are rather common. The complete binocular in the original case not so often you can find.
It appeared that metal zinc does not keep well the paint. It is visible in many places, in what way the paint is chipped.
We can observe many changing in the models 4x; 6x; and 8 x. manufactured by CZJ, in a period of 20 years. Some of them we can observe in our small collection, described above; 4 x (Fach Feldstecher) - ca 1904; 8 x (Fach Feldstecher) - ca 1905; Feldstecher vergr 8, 8x20 ca 1902; and in this zinc model.
At present, the binoculars 03 or 08 are visible in the market. The binocular in the case in good order (particularly 03) are rather rare.

  Bibliographic note;
The description was delivered on;
- Hans Seeger –Two books - gray & blue (look into “The list of the binocular Literature”);
-“Handbook of Artillery Instruments 1914” – London Printed Under Authority of His Majesty Stationery Office 1914;
- Articles;
     - “Production changes in Zeiss binoculars from 1907 to 1917” – by Thomas Mix
     - “Notes on the identification, numbering and annual and individual Production of early Carl Zeiss Binoculars (1894 –1907)” – by Thomas Antoniades

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