Item Description
Original Items: Only One Lot of 2 Available. The First World War was the first major conflict where more gun laying was made by optical equipment such as binoculars and rangefinders than by unaided eye. These tools were essential for the accurate fire control of artillery pieces which were now shooting at ranges of up to 40,000–60,000 yards (37–55 km). With the advent of wide scale trench warfare binoculars became vital tools for infantry officers looking to discern the position of enemy snipers and machine guns. Optical lenses were also required for aerial cameras, periscopes and telescopic rifle sights. Pre-war Germany had been a major supplier of optical equipment to the world, with production centered on the city of Jena. Carl Zeiss AG was a particularly prominent company in this field. In 1913 60% of British optical glass was manufactured in Jena and 30% by Parra Mantois in France. After the start of the war France struggled to meet its own requirements and very little was made available for export to Britain.
The Binoculars In This Lot:
- 6x Fernglas 08 by Spindler & Hoyer with Leather Case: In 1898 Julius Adolf Hoyer (1874-1943) joined with August Spindler (1870-1927) to establish the optical company of Spindler & Hoyer in Göttingen. The range of products of Spindler & Hoyer was unusually extensive, including many sorts of instruments. During both world wars, they were the main supplier of binoculars to the German army. This successful optical design and manufacturing company still exists today, but under a new name, Linos AG. The name change occurred after management acquisitions of other high-quality optical makers by Spindler & Hoyer.
This 6x25 field glass is pre WWII manufactured and of superior quality to wartime examples. Small field glasses were highly preferred by German officers due to their convenience. This example still has clear optics and a leather carry case. It is nicely marked as follows on the central adjustment:
6X
Spindler & Hoyer. Göttingen
The front cap on the hinge has GERMANY stamped on it, meaning at one point these were either exported or in the process of being exported to another nation. The carry case is in excellent condition but no longer has a carry strap present.
- Fernglas 08 by Emil Busch A-G of Rathenow With Leather Case: Emil Busch (1820-1888), took charge of his family’s optical firm in Rathenow in 1845, and renamed it Emil Busch A.G. in 1872. It became Emil Busch A.G. Optische Industrie in 1908. Emil Busch died in Rathenow on April 1, 1888, but his company remains very much alive and well. Up until World War I, it was Germany's leading manufacturer of optical supplies and mirrors, and today it continues to produce top quality ophthalmic machinery.
This 6x25 field glass is pre WWII manufactured and of superior quality to wartime examples. Small field glasses were highly preferred by German officers due to their convenience. This example still has clear optics and a leather carry case. It is nicely marked as follows on the central adjustment:
Fern Glas 08
No. 134680
Emil Busch A-G Rathenow
The left hinge is marked with the date 1918. Condition definitely shows wear, but the diopter adjustments are currently functional.
The leather case has not held up as well as the field glasses. They did their job in protecting the contents, but took a beating in the process. The leather is worn, delicate and has stitching missing. The top cover is completely detached from the case. The inside pad of the top lid still retains a lovely gold colored retailer’s stamp: O.H. MEDER of LEPZIG.
This is a wonderful set of genuine WWI German field glasses! No collection is complete without a set of these, so why not pick up two?
Comes ready for display.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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