Original Imperial German WWI Fernglas 08 Binoculars by Carl Zeiss Jena with Neck Strap, Metal Eyepiece Cover & Scarce Ersatz Carrying Case by Emil Busch A.G. - Serial No. 6728
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice and unusually complete set of Imperial German WWI Fernglas 08 binoculars by Carl Zeiss of Jena, accompanied by their original neck strap, metal eyepiece cover, and a scarce Ersatz carrying case by Emil Busch A.G. The binoculars are faintly marked Nr 6728 on the hinge tension nut, together with Fernglas 08 and the Zeiss logo, and remain in excellent optical condition with clear lenses and fully functional individual focus adjustments.
The Fernglas 08 was one of the standard German military binocular patterns of the First World War and saw widespread service with officers, NCOs, artillery observers, machine gun crews, and other personnel who required compact field optics. Carl Zeiss of Jena was one of Germany’s most important optical manufacturers, and wartime Zeiss binoculars are particularly desirable for their quality of construction and association with the rapid development of military optics during the early 20th century.
This example retains a very strong amount of its original exterior finish. The paint remains well preserved overall, with only limited wear from age and service. The original neck strap is present, and the metal eyepiece cover remains attached to the strap, an accessory that is often missing from surviving examples.
The optics are especially good. Both sides remain totally clear, and the focus adjustments work correctly. That makes this set particularly appealing not only as a display piece, but also as a strong example of the quality Zeiss was producing for military service during WWI.
The accompanying carrying case is particularly interesting. It is an Ersatz type wartime case, with the belt loops marked Emil Busch A.G. During WWI, shortages of leather and other strategic materials led to the widespread use of substitute materials and simplified construction across German military equipment. Ersatz binocular cases are a good illustration of that wartime economy and are notably less common today than the standard leather examples.
The case shows expected age and dryness but remains in very good overall condition. Importantly, it still retains the original Gebrauchsanweisung für das Fernglas 08 instruction sheet attached to the inside of the lid, a desirable detail that adds considerably to the completeness of the set.
One of the two securing straps on the side of the case is broken. Otherwise, the case remains quite presentable and displays extremely well with the binoculars.
The set is particularly appealing because so many of the original components remain together: Carl Zeiss Fernglas 08 binoculars, serial number 6728, original neck strap, metal eyepiece cover, functional optics, scarce Ersatz case by Emil Busch A.G., and the original internal instruction sheet.
For a collector of Imperial German WWI equipment, military optics, Carl Zeiss material, artillery or observer gear, or Ersatz wartime equipment, this is a strong and unusually complete example with excellent display appeal.
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