~ U-Boat 7X50 Binoculars Made By Carl Zeiss Jena WW2 1943 Original ~
Manufacturer/Model: Carl Zeiss Jena blc U-Boat 3rd model 7X50
The Serial #/Year of Manufacture: 56418= Probably 1943-44
The only markings on this binocular are “7X50” over “56418” over “blc” on the right prism plate underneath the rubber armor. “blc” is the German wartime code for the manufacturer, Carl Zeiss Jena.
The U-Boat 7X50 was manufactured from 1941 – 1945 specifically for use aboard submarines and was officially designated as the “Doppelfernrohr 7X50 für U-Boote ‘U-Bootglas 7X50’, in 1943 the numbering of U-Boat binoculars began at 38300 to end at approximately 69150 in 1945.
The build of this binocular is remarkable and unequalled by many WWII hand-held binoculars. It is a fixed focus design for maximum sealing and weatherproofing. The primary user of the binocular could, however, set the focus to his eyesight by removing the rubber armour from the prism plates to access a large focus screw at the base of each eyepiece which could be adjusted using a screwdriver.
This particular pair of binoculars were liberated by a Royal Navy officer who was so impressed he had a case made for them and used them regularly, after the war. They have been serviced and repainted. They still retain their original Benitzer cover and the optics are perfect.
~ Condition ~
They are in excellent condition considering what they have survived, as pictured they have been repainted. The optics are superb with no fogging, dirt, or haze. A small amount of rubber loss to the rubber as pictured but remarkably good condition overall. Please see the pictures.
