Original Items: Only One Set Available. This is a lovely example of a German WWII Richtungsweiser-Fernrohr (Directional Telescope or Rm-F.) 10×45, a tracking / spotting telescope used with the large Kommandogerät 36 (Kdo. Gr. 36) 8.8cm Flak Artillery Fire Director. This large apparatus was used to direct the fire of the Flak battery, and each of these were fitted with an Entfernungsmesser 4 meter Raumbild (Höhe) 36 or Em 4m R.(H.) 36 rangefinder. These were fitted with several surfaces where the tracking telescope could be attached. It is painted dunkelgelb tan at present, so it is very possible that it saw service in the North African or Italian campaigns.

This wonderful German WWII Flak Tracking Telescope came to us from the American Armoured Foundation, Inc. Tank and Ordnance Memorial Museum. The AAF Tank Museum was a living memorial dedicated to the Tank and Cavalry soldiers of the world. Before 1981 some of the artifacts that make up the AAF Tank Museum was a private collection belonging to Mr. William Gasser. Mr. Gasser felt that his collection would be beneficial in educating present and future generations to the sacrifices made and the technologies gained during war. Therefore, in 1981 the AAF Tank Museum was established as a non-profit charitable organization, and Mr. Gasser's donated his private collection to the Tank Museum. Mr. Gasser is still active as Volunteer Director and Curator of the Tank Museum and his knowledge of military history has been a great asset to the museum. Unfortunately after 20 years of operation it had to close its doors, which is when these optics were acquired.

The tracking telescope measures approximately 11 1/4" long, and is in very good condition. We tested the optics, and we can definitely see fairly good image, though looking at the objective lens, it definitely could use a cleaning. We tested the Farbgläser (tinted filter) knob, and all 5 positions from clear to very dark are still functional. These sighting telescopes usually were pointed straight up, so during the day a heavy tint was required to deal with the sun. The rubber eye cups are both still in very good condition, supple with no cracking.

The telescope still retains the original German maker information on the data plate on the bottom:

Rm.-F.
10×45 für
Em 4m R.(H.)36
Nr.1654
blc

This indicates production by the legendary Carl Zeiss of Jena, a specialist lens maker, and one of the finest makers of optics at the time. They designed many of the optics used by Germany during WWII, and continue to produce world class lenses and other optics to this day.

A wonderful example and comes more than ready for further research and display!