German 1917 Carl Zeiss Jena Fernglas 08 6x Binoculars with Leather Case

Description

A pair of very rare antique German Carl Zeiss Jena Fernglas 08 binoculars with 6x magnification. Made in 1917. Good working condition. Serial number: 18161

Magnification: 6x (note: magnification is not marked on binoculars, but according to web information, these Fernglas 08 binoculars have 6x magnification)

Objective lens diameter: 39mm

Exit pupil diameter: 6.5mm

Field of view: 4.4°

Visible field of view (eyepiece FOV): 25.8°

The closest focusing distance: 3.8m

Individual eyepiece focusing

Dimensions (when binoculars fully open): 120mm (W) x 110mm (H) x 52mm (D)

Weight: approx. 475g

Engraved on the central disc and bridge:

Fernglas 08
Nr 18161
Carl Zeiss Jena
1917

Comes with hard leather case.

Note: No damage to the optics and to the binoculars body. Images are fairly clear for the age of these binoculars.

Wear and tear to the binoculars body paint and to the leather case appropriate with age and use. There appears to be a slight haze on the inner objective lens. The binoculars image can be improved further if these lenses are cleaned.

Here is more information about the history of these binoculars:

The German company CP Goerz released a military binocular Feldglas 08 in 1908, the optics of which was built according to a simple Galilean scheme (with only two lenses). The device turned out to be very reliable, compact and cheap in production, it possessed high light transmission (approximately 80% versus 55-60% for prismatic binoculars of that time); therefore, it gave out a very bright image. The significant drawback of the considered binocular was its very small field of view – 4.4° (prismatic binoculars of that time had field of view equal to 6° – 8°). The device became popular in the army and it was produced in large quantities by many German companies: Leitz, Rodenstock, Goerz, Zeiss, Busch, Spindler & Hoyer. (from https://binocollection.com/catalog/binoculars-carl-zeiss-jena-fernglas-08.html)

More information on How to identify or estimate the production dates of vintage binoculars.