Description
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You are bidding on a VERY RNIXE example of a WW2 German Luftwaffe Doppelfernrohr (D.F.) 10×80 Flakfernrohr Spotting Binocular and Transit Chest! Brought back by a US Serviceman at the end of the war.
In 1936, Emil Busch AG of Rathenow won a contract to produce a 10x binocular for air observation for the German military. Leitz and Möller each produced competing prototypes, but the Busch model was chosen for its lighter weight (6.5 kg vs. 9.25kg for the Möller and 8.5kg for the Leitz) and greater field of view (131m at 1000m vs. 105m/113m for the Möller/Leitz models). Production began soon afterwards and continued through the war, when the Busch design was also produced by other firms in Germany and occupied Poland. All models have identical optical systems: 80mm cemented achromatic objectives with 280mm focal length, 70-deg eyepieces, 45-deg Schmidt roof prisms. Due to allied bombing, the 10x80s were primarily used for identifying attacking aircraft and directing the large 4m rangefinders, searchlights and cannons of the anti-aircraft batteries around German cities. They also proved useful on the battlefield, and a version with 20-deg inclined eyepieces was produced for use at sea. A single half of the 10×80 binocular served as Z.F. (Zielfernrohr) 10×80, a sight for the 8.8cm artillery.
The D.F. engraved before 10×80 stands for Doppelfernrohr (double telescope). Only the early Busch models will have the manufacturer’s name, others will have the three letter code beh (E. Leitz, Wetzlar), dkl (Schneider, Bad Kreuznach), cro (R. Fuess, Berlin Steglitz), bpd (C.P. Goerz, Vienna), eug (Optische Präzisions-Werke, Warsaw) or cxn (E. Busch, Rathenow).
Made of a large tooled alloy and aluminum construction, these 10 x 80 power range-finding FlaK binoculars are in EXCELLENT used condition! Manufactured by dkl (Josef Schneider), they retain approx. 95% of their original finish! All adjustments and knobs work as they should, and all original data and manufacture information is also present. The optics are perfectly aligned, and EXTREMELY CLEAR. Some parts were painted in the field, but overall it is painted in Dunkelgelb. The binoculars feature the stamped serial number, “31224”. Other parts included are:
Cradle Retains 90% original paint and is 100% functional. Some slight corrosion from storage, but no breaks, cracks, or damage.
Messkreis Retains 90% original paint, but there is some corrossion. One of the knobs is missing, and the rotating handle has come out a bit (may need some repair). but it still rotates when turned. Fluid still remains in the bubble level.
Visier Sight 98% original paint, glow in the dark markings are still present (rare). Some slight spotting from corrosion. Adjustment/tightening knob functions perfectly.
Headpad Retains all original paint, rubber is still quite flexible, but there are some tears in the rubber (has been taped). Retain 98% original paint, manufacture code and markings. No breaks or damage.
Original Light Bulbs Has FOUR light bulbs for the optical lighting cable .
Wood Transport/Transit Chest This is the original chest to the binoculars. It has an overall paint of dark grey , but was re-painted post-war by the veteran (stencils and markings are over-painted). Some slight wear and damage, but nothing that detracts. Everything fits nice and tight as it should. Has an additional latch installed by the veteran.
One of the NICEST examples I have seen in a while, it would make an EXCELLENT addition to any collection or display! Please email me if you need additional photos or information.
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