You are bidding on a SUPERB and VERY RARE set of WW2 German Kriegsmarine 8x60 U Boat Commander Binoculars!
The German Army and Navy used a wide variety of optical equipment, including a 6x30 (6 power magnification with 30mm objective lens), 7x50, 8x30,10x50 and others, being the standard issued optics used by all branches of service. This 8x60 type was a MUCH RARER model, with only approx. 200 pieces ever being made, and were issues to personnel on a limited basis.
This RARELY seen Doppelfernrohr Porro II 8x60 binocular was a favourite of U-Boat Commanders, and is considered as the BEST military handheld binoculars ever made!
It features Wide Field capabilities (160 Meters @ 1000 Meters, 9.1 Degrees), razor sharp images that are bright and stunning. combined with a high eye relief, Porro 2 prism design, make for a viewing experience that is second to none!
These were supplied to the commanders of ships and submarines of the Kriegsmarine.
Made of aluminum, brass, and steel by blc (Carl Zeiss Jena), these 8 x 60 power binoculars are in EXCELLENT used condition! The lens bodies are VERY SOLID, but as they are in used condition, show wear on the original finish. Interesting original finish, as it appears to be a very dark plumb color, as opposed to the standard blac. The aluminum end piece fittings are 100% intact, and occulars feature the RARE rubberized gas mask eye cups! The rubber does have some slight wear and cracking, but they are VERY flexible! The focus adjustments still function PERFECTLY on both eye pieces, and though there is some very slight spotting, the coated optics are still VERY sharp, and well-defined even in low light. Due to the size, these are a bit hard for me to look through (width is too large for me), but the collimation is PERFECT! Right lens features a vertical cross-hair (see photo).
The left side body is marked:
T
blc
8 x 60
The right side body, along with the KM Adler, is marked:
M.S.S.
372
The Serial Number "2079342" stamped on the front bridge area indicates in was produced in 1941. Weighing approx. 5.5 lbs., this is one of the RAREST binoculars to obtain! I have indicated the exact type in use (mounted and un-mounted) in the last photos. Would make a SUPERB addition to any collection, or displa