Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice pair of WWII German Kriegsmarine (Navy) issue 7×50 Binoculars. These have clear optics but appear tinted, are fully functional, and were manufactured by one of the very best makers at the time, Ernst Leitz Gmbh, Wetzlar – Germany, who used three letter code “beh”. The specifications and other information is crisply marked on the left barrel as follows:
7 x 50
beh
397257 ( T )
Both diopter adjustments operate smoothly, as does the central hinge. The eye cups are missing. The bakelite was quite delicate, so many examples have the eye cups totally missing. The right barrel has further markings, including the correct Kriegsmarine acceptance emblem:
(NSDAP Party Eagle)
M
31347
N
Condition is nice, though they do show wear on the aluminum fittings, which were originally anodized and then painted. The original textured coating is missing from the barrels of the binos and are not bare metal. The neck strap is present and appears to be original. It is in somewhat delicate condition. These also still retain the fittings on the central pivot the lens covers, which are unfortunately missing. The optics are clear, and both focus adjustments work, however there is definitely some haze on the internal prisms, as well as some specks of dirt.
A great example of the classic eye piece for German Navy officers during WWII!