July 12-14, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/13/2022
World War II B.Z.schr.E (Binocular sight with inclined eyepieces) Close-Range Scope Kriegsmarine Binoculars. Around 1943, these optics were used on anti-ship and anti-aircraft trio of 105mm guns installed on cruisers, destroyers, and battleships of the Kriegsmarine during World War II. The optic retains its original Kriegsmarine spec label with correct Carl Zeiss "blc" marking, "10x7" magnification marking, and serial numbered "131147". The model "B.Z. schr. EC/1A" is indicated on the spec label. These optics came in sets of 2, a left and right optic, which would be mounted on either side of the gun. Model "C1A" indicates that this optic would be placed on the right side as their counterpart would be marked with an "L" (C1AL) which stands for "Links" (left), that would indicate placement on the left side of the gun. Supposedly only 150 of these sets were produced, and this example is numbers "Nr.122". The optic has been built with an extremely sturdy structure, in anodized aluminum with brass mounts, which was designed to protect the lenses, prisms, and related mechanisms inside it from the strong vibrations derived from the recoil of the guns, as well as protection from the elements of the open sea. The optic features a variety of options including "Augenabstand" (Pupillary distance) which are activated by turning the knob at the bottom right. The two levers placed at the ends of the eyepieces independently activate the insertion of the two relative reticles. On the upper part of the structure there are two levers useful for inserting the filters, "Farbglas Wechsel", "T" (Tag = day - yellow filter) and "N" (Nacht = night - gray filter). CONDITION: Unlike many of these WWII optics that have been chromed, this optic retains its original patina. The brow rest and bellows-type eyecups remain intact. The foam exhibits blemishes and loss and the eyecups are supple. Most mechanisms are seized except for the "Augenabstand" knob and the right lever. The optics are clouded but not completely obscured. Overall fair. An honest example of desirable WWII Kriegsmarine optics which would be worthy of restoration or display. JLD
Item Dimensions: 17" x 10" x 11"