Description
The 7×50 configuration became one of the classic German naval binocular formats because its combination of seven-power magnification and large 50 mm objectives produced an approximately 7 mm exit pupil, maximizing available light for dawn, dusk, nighttime, and poor-weather observation. Kriegsmarine deck binoculars were built for demanding operational use and were commonly protected by heavy rubber armor to help shield the optical body from impact, moisture, salt spray, and the constant handling encountered aboard warships. Carl Zeiss Jena was among the most important German optical manufacturers of the period, with blcserving as its wartime coded designation. The tan rubber-armored versions have become especially desirable among advanced Kriegsmarine and U-Boat collectors because of their distinctive appearance and direct association with German naval service.
Made of aluminum, brass and steel, by “blc” (Carl Zeiss Militarabteilung, Jena), this set of EXCEPTIONAL binoculars is in EXCELLENT used condition! Retaining approx. 90% of its original paint and finish, the armor shows numerous age-related splits and cracks from wartime use and more than 80 years of storage, but remains substantially intact and displays extremely well (for anyone wishing to cosmetically restore the binocular, I do have an exact modern reproduction set of replacement rubber armor available separately). The original eyecups remain present and intact, with NO chips or damage. The binocular is clearly marked blc, identifying Carl Zeiss Jena, and carries serial number 615408. The optics are OUTSTANDING, remaining perfectly collimated with an exceptionally bright, sharp, and clear image! There is NO fungus, haze, fogging, balsam separation, chipped glass, or internal optical damage. The original coatings remain present on the eyepiece lenses, while the objective-lens coatings show some light wear from repeated period cleaning, something commonly encountered on service-used naval optics, but this does NOT detract from the exceptional clarity or overall viewing quality. Both individual focusing mechanisms operate smoothly and correctly, and the central hinge is also smooth and properly tensioned. There are NO dents, serious corrosion, missing screws, repairs, or replacement components to the binocular itself. A neck strap is present, although it appears to be a postwar addition, likely added during the 1950s.
Most importantly, this binocular retains its ORIGINAL September 16, 1945 U.S. military capture paperwork, providing exceptional documented veteran bring-back provenance! The original document identifies Staff Sergeant Elwood Knottsby name, rank, and service number and states that he was authorized by the theater commander to retain listed captured enemy material. The document is signed by his commanding officer, Captain R. S. Lewis, and specifically lists a Mauser pistol, camera tripod, and this binocular among the captured items. The binocular is identified on the paperwork by its matching serial number 615408, directly tying this exact instrument to the wartime capture document. This is NOT a later copy or reproduction document, but the original period paperwork retained with the binocular since 1945. Everything present is 100% ORIGINAL wartime manufacture except for the later neck strap as noted. The combination of an original tan-armored Kriegsmarine Zeiss 7×50, exceptional optics, matching-number capture paperwork, and named U.S. veteran provenance makes this an EXTREMELY DESIRABLE and historically significant example for any advanced Kriegsmarine, U-Boat, naval optics, or WW2 collection!
