Original German WWII 1943 Dated Swedish M/43 6× Em 1m R36 Stereoscopic Rangefinder by Saalfelder Apparatebau in Transit Chest
In stock
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Original Items: Only One Set Available. This is an impressive original German-manufactured Swedish-contract 1-meter stereoscopic rangefinder, designated by Sweden as the 1m a-instr m/43, complete with its fitted wooden transit chest and several original accessories. Manufactured in 1943 by Saalfelder Apparatebau GmbH under the German wartime maker code fwq, the instrument belongs to the same general family as the German Entfernungsmesser 1m Raumbild 36, or Em 1m R36, stereoscopic rangefinder.
The German Em 1m R36 was a one-meter-base stereoscopic rangefinder developed for military distance estimation and used in connection with artillery, anti-aircraft, observation, and other fire-control duties.
This lovely rangefinder comes with some of the original issue accessories in its original transit chest, which measures approximately 47" x 9" x 6". It still retains the original German maker information on the left data plate:
(blue triangle) fwq
Nr. 29135
1943
This indicates 1943 production by Saalfelder Apparatebau GmbH in Saalfeld, Germany, not far from Jena, where many optics companies were based. They are a known maker of German WWII optics, and other examples have been seen of their equipment. There is a blue triangle on the left side of the plate, indicating the type of lubricant to be used. The "fwq" marking is present on the rubber eyepiece as well. The other data plates are all in Swedish, and indicate that the rangefinder is a 1m a - instr m/43 ( 6 × ), which is also listed on the serial number matched crate:
1m a-instr m/43
(Stereo)
Nr. 29726
The numbers do not match, so this is not a matching set. The rangefinder is in great overall condition, though it was repainted in an ordnance tan at some point which is chipping away in spots. All of the adjustments seem to be functional, however we have no way to test the optics to see if they are still accurate. The optics are not clear and you can only make out a bit in the center, so it will need cleaning and servicing. The electrical pieces are missing from this set, but the rangefinder retains the sling.
Equipment included in the transit chest includes, in addition to the rangefinder itself, a 1-meter calibrating slat with built-in dual bipod legs and rain protection / sun shield tubes for the objective lenses. None of the manuals are included, probably removed long ago, however the chest is definitely in great shape, and does not appear to be missing any of the wood inserts. There is even a knurled post for holding it by hand. There are compartments for extra bulbs and other components, however none of these are included.
The calibrating slat is also marked fwq for manufacture by Saalfelder Apparatebau GmbH in Saalfeld, Germany. It is marked with serial number 29145, also close to the rangefinder number but not close enough.
The combination of the 1943-dated fwq Saalfelder Apparatebau manufacture, Swedish 1m a-instr m/43 designation, 6× stereoscopic optical system, surviving cold-weather lubricant triangle, period transit chest, calibration bar, objective shades, sling, and accessory fittings makes this a particularly substantial example of German wartime optical production for foreign military use. The mismatched serial numbers and presently clouded optics are important condition and originality considerations, while the surviving Swedish-language plates provide clear evidence of the instrument’s intended service context.
- 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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