WWI German Binoculars

**badfinger** · 06-21-2023, 05:49 PM

Any knowledgeable members that have a source on binocular markings they're willing to share?
Recently acquired this set - case is marked "Emil BuschAG Rathenow". Not sure if the painted/tarred wicker case indicates an earlier model? Central adjustment dial says "C P Goerz, Berlin" below that is a very small "Nr. 83193".

Thanks for any input!
-BW

**Willmore** · 06-21-2023, 06:28 PM

Hi there.

I found this information -

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.

Binoculars Carl Zeiss Jena Fernglas 08 | Binoculars Collection

I think the V..17 may be a production date (May 1917). I say this because in post #202 in the link below, the marking X.13 indicates a production date of October 1913.

Vintage Binoculars | Page 11 | BirdForum

Kind regards,

Will.

**VtwinVince** · 06-22-2023, 04:39 PM

Very nicely preserved M1908 pattern Dienstglas, much nicer than my set.

**badfinger** · 06-23-2023, 06:18 AM

Thank you for sharing that resource, Will. I will be revisiting it. Fortunately the lenses are in great shape and despite the "very small field of view", the view I can get from them is still brilliant. I'm actually looking for a reproduction case since the original has seen enough - proving near impossible.

**badfinger** · 06-23-2023, 06:20 AM

by VtwinVince

Very nicely preserved M1908 pattern Dienstglas, much nicer than my set.

I have a "rougher" salty one, too; I mostly bought this one for the case.
Keep your eyes peeled on eBay and you will find the dream set!

**AndyM35** · 06-23-2023, 07:09 AM

Nice set! I have a pair that were made by the same manufacturer.

**BrodieBartfast** · 06-23-2023, 07:40 AM

The ‘V.17’ marking is indeed a production date, indicating these binoculars were made in May 1917. A very nice set! Not often seen with the lens protector.

B.B.