Description
This aiming sight was mounted on 37mm flak guns installed on Kriegsmarine submarines (U-boats). This type of optic, given the particular type of reticle with which it was equipped, was mainly used for anti-aircraft fire. The peculiarity of this optic is found in its structure, completely made of solid brass, as it is designed to maintain a watertight seal (same principle as the UDF 7×50 binoculars) so that it never has to be removed from its installation and is always ready for use.The 3.7 cm Flak M42 was the marine version of the 3.7-centimetre (1.5 in) Flak 36/37 and used by the Kriegsmarine on surface ships and as the M42U on Type VII and Type IX U-boats. The 3.7 cm Flak M42U used several types of mounts and entered service in autumn 1943. It replaced the older 3.7 cm SK C/30 that had been designed in 1930. The gun was loaded with a five-round ammunition clip, giving it a rate of fire of 250 rounds per minute, unlike the SK C/30 which was single-shot with a rate of 30 rounds per minute. The M42 was also about 134 kg (295 lb) lighter than the SK C/30 and had gun shields
Made of solid brass, aluminum, and steel by “dow” (Opticotechna GmbH, Werk Prerau / Protektorat), and dating between 1943 and 1945, this 1×40° power Kriegsmarine Gun Sight is in EXCELLENT used condition! It retains approximately 95% of its original Kriegsmarine gray finish, with only marks and wear from age and use! No dents, cracks, repairs or damage! The main mounting plate features a lever for quick removal and insertion, and is stamped, “D 231“, with WaA inspection stamp (though difficult to read, due to corrosion). A slot for a light plug is also present, and it still retains the original Rubber Eye Cup and Brow Pad! The optics remain VERY CLEAR, however there is some dust and spotting from age and storage. The original reticle remains present and clearly visible. The optics also feature an anti-reflective coating (developed and patented on November 1, 1935 by Aleksander Smakula of Zeiss). It features the original data plate, clearly indicating: DOK 1×40° M44
Druckdichtes Optisches Kreiskorn (Pressure-tight optics)
Ausf A.
dow
Opticotechna GmbH, Werk Prerau / Protektorat
240
Missing a small protective lens cover at the front (used when the sight was stored), but otherwise complete! I have shown the type of gun it was used on in the last images. An EXCELLENT original Kriegsmarine optical instrument for the famous 3.7cm Flak M42 U-Boat AA Cannon…it would make a PERFECT addition to any collection or display!
