Original German WWI Era Carl Zeiss Entfernungsmesser 14 Rangefinder with Leather Carry Case
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Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very good original German Entfernungsmesser 14 optical rangefinder manufactured by Carl Zeiss of Jena, complete with its substantial original leather carrying case. Originally developed during the WWI era, the EM 14 remained in German military inventories and was still documented in active service during WWII.
The Entfernungsmesser 14, commonly abbreviated EM 14, was a coincidence-type optical rangefinder originally introduced during the Imperial German period. Carl Zeiss of Jena was one of Germany’s foremost manufacturers of military optical equipment, and surviving EM 14 examples are well documented from WWI.
Despite its earlier origin, the design continued to see German service during WWII. A 1945 U.S. War Department technical manual described the Model 14 as a coincidence rangefinder used by German machine-gun and mortar units, airborne troops, and with the MG 34 for anti-aircraft fire. This continued service gives the EM 14 an unusually long operational history extending well beyond its original WWI introduction.
The data plate is marked:
CARL ZEISS
JENA
Entfernungsmesser 14 Nr. 4238
N
The original leather eye cup with spring-loaded latch is retained and the optic looks to be in good order. The leather fittings have some wear as shown. The rangefinder measures roughly 32 ¾” long.
The original leather carry case retains the four securing straps but the case shows heavy overall wear. It retains a carry strap, and will make for a fine display.
The combination of the Carl Zeiss Jena maker marking, Entfernungsmesser 14 designation, serial number 4238 with N suffix, surviving leather eyecup, apparently clear optics, and original four-strap leather carrying case makes this a strong example of German military optical equipment. Its WWI-era design combined with documented continued German use during WWII gives the instrument particular historical interest, while the heavily worn but substantially complete carrying case provides valuable context for how the rangefinder was transported and protected in service.
- This product is available for international shipping. Shipping not available to: Australia, France, or Germany
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
- Due to legal restrictions this item cannot be shipped to Australia, France or Germany. This is not a comprehensive list and other countries may be added in the future.
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