Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a very nice example of a German WWII Wehrmacht issue Rundblickfehrnrohr Kanonier (Gunner's Panoramic Telescope or Rbl.F.K.), complete with the original mounting plate still attached. This is one of many sighting devices developed by the optical industry in Germany, which was at the time probably the most advanced in the world. We have never seen this particular variant of the Rbl.F., which is larger and has a second eyepiece on the left, which has an additional reticle as well as a readout of the position of the rotating portion of the sight. It is definitely more advanced than the sights we usually see used on Howitzers, Flak, and other similar artillery.

The optics are relatively heavy, weighing about 22 lbs, and would be attached artillery for use in direct fire. With the various instruments combined, it allowed them to get all of the information they needed for accurate aiming. It measures approximately 18 1/2" x 8" x 8".

Made mostly from magnetic steel and cast iron pieces, this example was made by one of the very best makers at the time, Ernst Leitz Gmbh, Wetzlar - Germany, as indicated by the maker code beh on the side of the top piece. This company was the designer of this particular type of rabbit ear optics. Ernst Leitz II (1 March 1871 – 15 June 1956) was a German business person and humanitarian. He was the second head of the optics company now known as Leica Camera and organized the Leica Freedom Train to allow people, most of whom were Jewish, to escape from Germany during NSDAP times.

The sight still retains much of the original finish, and is in solid condition. The optics look to be fully functional, however we can definitely see dirt and dust inside them, and they definitely are in need of a full servicing. All of the lenses look to be intact, and the reticles in both sides are present. The adjustment on the side is still able to rotate the top back and forth, though the azimuth release does not stay in place anymore. The focus adjustments on both sides are functional. Data information is stamped into the side of the top, which reads:

beh
Rbl.F.K.
8513
✚

This indicates production by Ernst Leitz Gmbh, Wetzlar, and the colored symbol under the serial number indicates the type of lubricant used.

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