Original German WWII 10x50 Dienstglas Binoculars by Ernst Leitz of Wetzlar with 1942 Dated Case by Walter Winkler of Schönwalderstrasse
In stock
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice original German WWII 10x50 Dienstglas binocular set manufactured by Ernst Leitz of Wetzlar, complete with its original leather neck strap, hard eyepiece cover, and a 1942-dated carrying case. The binoculars retain most of their original black finish and leatherette covering, while the optics remain functional with only minor internal fogging. The combination of the early Leitz maker name rather than the later beh code and the included 1942 case makes this a particularly interesting transitional wartime set.
Binoculars used by the German military in the Second World War were made by a wide range of makers. The most well-known were Carl Zeiss, Ernst Leitz, Swarovski and Voightlander. Up to 1940 they carried the maker's name and as well as the word “Dienstglas” which means service glass. From around 1940 the maker's name was replaced by a three letter code.
This set retains the leather neck strap and hard leather eye cup cover. The eyecup cover is marked and dated 1938. This example is pre-1940, marked on the left barrel with the maker’s logo:
E. LEITZ
WETZLAR
And on the right barrel:
Dienstglas
10X50
309638
M H/6400
The H/6400 marking identifies the standard German Army reticle or Strichplatte fitted in one ocular for range estimation and observation. The accompanying M has been identified in specialist optical references as referring to the metric-thread specification used in the binocular construction.
The original black finish on both the metal and leatherette are retained very nicely with minimal wear and paint loss. All lenses are clear and the optic is still able to be focused properly but there is some minor fogginess. The leather case also retains the black finish very nicely and appears to be without damage besides the securing strap having stretched the lid downward.
The included case is in very good condition, marked ksd 1942 WaA14 on the top of the case under the lid, which identifies the maker as Walter Winkler of Schönwalderstrasse 101 in Berlin-Spandau, a maker of leather wares and military accoutrements. The spring-loaded catch mechanism is maker marked and dated frn 42 for Rudolf Lang, Brandenburg an der Havel, Koppehlstrasse 5-7, a maker of springs and metalwear. The shoulder strap for the case is sadly missing.
This set is particularly noteworthy for the combination of its early E. Leitz Wetzlar maker marking, serial number 309638, 10x50 H/6400 configuration, surviving neck strap and eyepiece cover, and clearly marked ksd 1942 / WaA14 carrying case. Together these features make it a strong example of German wartime military optics with an especially complete accessory set.
- 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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