Original Item: Only One Available.This is a very attractive original German WWII 6x30 Dienstglas field binocular set manufactured by Swarovski of Wattens, Tyrol, Austria, identified by the wartime maker code cag. The binoculars are serial numbered 303430 and retain their late-war tan-painted finish, brown leather neck strap, black eyecups, and accompanying molded Bakelite carrying case. The triangle marking beneath the maker code identifies the use of a special wide-temperature instrument lubricant, a feature associated with later-war German optical equipment. Comparable documented examples suggest that this configuration is consistent with late-war production, likely circa 1944–1945, though an exact production date for this serial number has not been independently confirmed.

The binoculars are in very good functional condition and display particularly well. A substantial amount of the tan wartime finish remains, with scattered paint loss along the prism housings, objective rims, center hinge, and other exposed edges. These areas reveal the underlying metal and give the binoculars an attractive, naturally used appearance without excessive deterioration.

Both eyepieces and their individual diopter focusing adjustments function properly. The black eyecups remain intact. The objective and ocular glass is in very good condition overall, with very little visible internal debris, especially considering the age of the optics. The brown leather neck strap is still present and shows little surface wear.

The accompanying brown molded Bakelite carrying case is also very well preserved. It retains its front metal closure assembly and side suspension rings, with only scattered scratches, handling marks, and light surface wear. The Bakelite body has a pleasing mottled brown appearance and shows no obvious exterior damage in the areas visible. Altogether, this is a notably complete and attractive field set.

The right prism plate is marked:

Dienstglas
6 x 30
303430

Dienstglas translates literally as “service glass,” essentially identifying these as military service binoculars.

The opposite prism plate is marked:

cag
△

The triangle beneath the maker code is a lubricant marking rather than a unit or ownership mark. Specialist references associate this symbol with a temperature-resistant grease intended to permit reliable operation under a broad range of climatic conditions, approximately -40°C to +50°C. The triangle marking is generally encountered on later-war production.

The 6x30 Dienstglas became one of the principal German military binocular patterns of the interwar and WWII periods. The designation refers to 6-power magnification with 30 mm objective lenses, a combination that provided a useful balance of magnification, field of view, weight, and light-gathering ability for general field observation. Period specifications for the standard 6x30 pattern gave a field of view of approximately 150 meters at 1,000 meters.

The tan or sand-colored finish deserves particular attention. Although this color is frequently described in the collector market as a “tropical” or North African finish, the color alone should not be taken as evidence of service with the Afrika Korps. By 1943, sand and dark-yellow finishes were being applied much more broadly to German military equipment for European service as well.