Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice set of German WWII binoculars known by the German Kriegsmarine as Doppelfernrohr 7×50 (Double Telescope 7×50), complete with an original case. They are very similar to the Dienstglas 7×50 (service glass 7×50) usually seen, and as far as we can tell they are more or less identical. We have seen Kriegsmarine marked examples using both designations, and we have not been able to find out what the real difference is.
This pair of binoculars marked with the specifications information on the rear of the right barrel:
N
DF 7×50
4112
They are also marked with serial number 86556 on the objective end of the hinge. Research shows that the “N” stands for Nordsee (North Sea), and we have seen other examples with this same marking. There is no maker marking or code, which identifies the maker as “Sybs”, who was also the only maker for the KM that made these using uncoated optics, which this set has. These were only issued for Kriegsmarine use and have the Marinewaffenamt Eagle / M proof mark on the rear of the left barrel.
The binoculars are really in great shape, with the optics showing just a bit of haze, and both focus diopters functioning correctly. These do not have a range reticle / graticule in either eyepiece. The bakelite eye cups are in great shape, with no chips or cracks. As with most WWII German binoculars they are non-magnetic, and the body is in great shape, with the textured coating mostly retained, showing just a few areas where it flaked off.
The included case is in very good shape, though it has had the rear leather “hinge” repaired with stitching, and the shoulder strap is completely missing. The case fits the binoculars well, and has a Marinewaffenamt M Eagle V/1 proof, which indicates Precision Engineering and Navigational Instruments inspected in Vienna and Brünn.
A very nice set of Kriegsmarine DF Binoculars, complete with their original case with some great research potential!