Original German WWII 6×30 Dienstglas Binoculars by Ernst Leitz (beh) with 1942 Dated Bakelite Carry Case – Neck and Shoulder Straps Present Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Original Item: Only One Available. The 6×30 Dienstglas (Service Glass) was one of the most used German issued binoculars of WWII. This example is fully functional, with clear optics, and working adjustments. It is nicely marked as follows on the base of the right barrel:

Dienstglas
6 x 30
186786
beh +

The use of the three letter code, indicates that these were made after 1940. “beh” (marked on the right barrel) represents Ernst Leitz GmbH, Wetzlar.

The included bakelite case is in very good condition, and still has intact leather belt straps, though they may be wartime replacements. The case closure works perfectly, and it measures approximately 7″W x 5 1/2″H x 3 1/2″ overall.

Overall a very nice example of the classic eye piece for German infantry officers during WWII, complete with a rare bakelite case! In great shape and ready to display, or even use!

History of the 6×30 Service Glass:
Among all military binoculars after the end of the First World War, the 6 x 30 service glass became predominant in both the Navy and the Army, and it remained the Army’s most used binocular for decades.

From the Army regulations for 1927 and 1940: “As a standard double telescope for all branches of the Army of the Reich, the double telescope 6 x 30 with normal reticle….. and a field of view of 150m at 1000m distance.” In terms of its importance and the quantities produced, the D.F. 6 x 30 was increasingly important after WWI was produced in larger quantities than any other. In the Army Regulations of November 29, 1919, after the end of the First World War, an inventory was ordered of the quantity of optical instruments in the infantry, because of new regulations on equipping the troops with optical instruments, and only the Fernglaeser 03, 08, 6 x 30, and 10 x 50 are listed as hand held binoculars. In a March 1939 paper regarding the height calibrations of reticles, only the 6 x 30 and 10 x 50 are mentioned; and in an Army technical regulation of June 1944, concerning the carrying strap for the Doppelfernrohre 6 x 30 and 10 x 50.

The design of the common D.F. 6 x 30 is similar to the equally common Zeiss Silvamar, with only minor differences.