Description
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You are bidding on a VERY NICE example of a WW2 German Luftwaffe CAMOUFLAGED Doppelfernrohr (D.F.) 10×80 Flakfernrohr Spotting Binocular and Transit Chest! Brought back by a US Serviceman (“Big Red One”) at the end of the war, it was captured at St. Lo on July 16, 1944. 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 a bit out of alignment (will need an adjustment), but otherwise are EXTREMELY CLEAR! The VERY INTERESTING feature is that the front of the Cradle, as well as the Sunshields were painted in the field, in Tan and Green. They feature the stamped serial number, “31443”. Other parts included are: Cradle Retains 95% original paint and is 100% functional. Some slight corrosion from storage, but no major breaks, cracks, or damage. The tiny knob that usually mounts on the side is missing. Messkreis Retains 95% original paint, but there is some corrosion. Appears to function correctly, however the tab that holds the Optical Battery Box is broken (can be replaced). Also, the large red rotating knob was broken at some time, and has a very sloppy repair. This should be easy to rectify by the winning bidder. The wings for the butterfly nut have broken off. Fluid still remains in the bubble level. Headpad Retains all original paint, rubber is a bit deformed from storage, but it is still quite flexible. No tears in the rubber!
Wood Transport/Transit Chest Though this is not the original Wehrmacht Issue chest, it appears to be a captured field conversion. For sure not a US or German crate as far as I can tell…could possibly be French. Box was also painted in the field in a 3-tone camouflage. Appears to be a combination of both Luftwaffe and Heer paint. Has a faint “10” painted into the front. Some slight wear and damage, but nothing that detracts. Everything fits as it should. Captured just after the landings in Normandy, the veteran wrote the following on the inside of the lid: “Captured at St. Lo France July 16th 44 PFC E.P. Smally 1st Infantry Co B.” Optical Tripod Though this is not a German Tripod (possibly French or American), it has a conversion at the to fit this optic (this is a US Transit/Surveyor Tripod). Essentially, the top mounting post was removed from a WW2 German 10×80 Tripod, which is quite interesting. 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.
——————- PAYMENT —————– Payment should be made within 7 business days at the end of the auction unless buyer contacts me for other arrangements. I accept all forms of payment. My goal is to ship within 7 days from auction end. However, depending on circumstances, it may take up to an additional 1 week from receipt of confirmed payment. If you need it shipped sooner, please let me know and I will do our best to accommodate. ——————- TERMS OF SALE —————– Most of my items are vintage, and as such are AS-IS, so you must therefore expect a degree of wear due to age and/or usage. I will describe each auction to the best of my knowledge and take as many photos necessary to ensure you are pleased upon receiving your item. All sales are final, so please make sure your questions are answered to your satisfaction before you purchase. ——————- ABOUT ME —————– Although my passion is the Me109, I do offer many other German Aircraft (Fw190, Me262, etc.), as well as USAF and Japanese items. Occasionally I do offer many non-vintage items such as prints and art relating to the time period. As a private collector myself, I am constantly on the lookout for historical memorabilia, authentic photographs, artwork or anything unique relating to military aircraft. ——————- COPYRIGHT —————– All pictures and descriptions used in my auctions under COPYRIGHT and I forbid the use of these photos and information in any manner such as paper or electronic (internet) publications or otherwise. Use is solely based on my authorization only. |
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