Original Items: One of a Kind. This is a very nice original set of black leather mounted Field Glasses, complete with their original black leather carry case with Shoulder strap. The lid of the case has been inscribed with the owner’s information:
1917
FELDWEBEL
OTTO KRANZE
97 FELD. ARTY.
The owner was apparently a Feldwebel, which is equivalent to a U.S. Staff Sergeant, and was serving in the 97th Field Artillery Battalion in 1917. The case and binoculars are in very good condition, especially given that these items are a century old. The finish on the case is mostly present, with some splitting on the corners.
The field glasses are fully functional, and have resin/bakelite eyepieces that have no chipping or cracks. Optics are mostly clear, with a bit of dust from the years. No cracks or chips, and the focus control works smoothly. They are marked on the eyepiece tubes with Schütz Cassel on the left and ARMY PATT. V. There is some corrosion and finish loss on the zinc fittings, and the neck strap is unfortunately missing. Otherwise, they are in very good condition.
A great WWI Item, ready to use and display.