Original German WWII 6x30 Dienstglas Binoculars in “Ordnance Tan” by Swarovski with Bakelite Case - Case Dated 1943
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Original Item: Only One Available. The 6x30 Dienstglas (Service Glass) was one of the most used German issued binoculars of WWII. This example is fully functional, with mostly clear optics, and working adjustments. This set was painted in “Ordnance Tan”, often seen on items associated with the Afrika Korps. It is nicely marked as follows on the left barrel:
Cag
(Blue Triangle)
And on the right barrel
Dienstglas
6 x 30
145959
The use of the three letter code indicates that these were made after 1940. The code ‘cag’ represents Swarovski Wattens of Tirol, Austria. The binoculars are missing their carrying strap but retain the small leather tab in the center. The included Bakelite carrying case is in good condition and retains its original leather carry strap, but both of the Ersatz pressed paper or “Preßstoff” belt loops are torn away at the top and one is torn away at the bottom. Because of how they are mounted, they are still in place, but they will not work as belt loops. The Preßstoff ersatz items were very prone to breaking in this way. Otherwise the case is great. There is a small symbol on the lid with a 43, which we believe to indicate 1943 manufacture.
The blue triangle beneath the maker code denotes the use of a special wide-temperature lubricant. This grease was intended to keep the binoculars functioning under both severe cold and warm climatic conditions and is a recognized feature of later-war German military optics.
The binoculars retain a tan or sand-colored wartime finish commonly described as sandgelb. This shade is often associated by collectors with equipment used by the Afrika Korps, but the color itself should not be considered evidence of North African service. By approximately 1943, sand-colored finishes were being applied much more broadly to German military equipment, including Swarovski binoculars intended for general European service.
The combination of the cag Swarovski maker code, blue lubricant triangle, serial number 145959, surviving late-war sandgelb finish, and 1943-dated Bakelite case with original Preßstoff belt loops makes this a particularly representative example of German Army optical equipment from the middle years of World War II.
The missing neck strap and damaged belt loops are the principal condition issues, but the binoculars themselves remain functional and the case retains its original strap and both fragile ersatz loops, making the set substantially complete for display.
- 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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