Presumably obtained while sailing the Western Scheldt or more inland,
this heirloom probably saw post-war usage by a relative.
Made
by
Carl Zeiss in Jena, it is one of a batch of 1000 made in March 1940
with rubber eyepieces (unfortunatly missing) for use with
goggles/gasmasks.
"T"
(transparenz-belag) indicating a clear coat
used on the optics, the Roman numerals are from the company test
department.
Source:
http://www.binoculars-cinecollectors.com
These "Artl." marked examples saw use with coastal artillery but also
on big ships and even U-boats, other known markings (followed by #) are
"N","O", "Artl a" and "Fla. (Kuste)".
[Varied use][Hide]
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"Nice one! You're right about the date - one of a
batch of 1000 made in March 1940. The high relief oculars (designed for
use with gas masks and sun goggles) give very pleasing views.
Your one is missing the rubber eyeguards and the Artl designation means
it was originally intended for Artl units - some say this also included
sea going artillery officers (which the big ships had).
Many
Artl marked binoculars ended up on U Boats as shown in William Reid's
book and in my own experience of collecting. Diesel fumes were lethal
to the rubber - which may explain it's loss. Often Bakelite or even
brass replacement eyecups were used. A nice example.
"
Quote by Sgt.Bilko @ www.wehrmacht-awards.com
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