Original German WWII 6×30 Dienstglas Binoculars by Swarovski in Bakelite Carry Case Original Items

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 barrels:

cag
(Blue Triangle)

is marked on the right side, with the model and serial information on the right:

Dienstglas
6 x 30
127525

The use of the three letter code, indicates that these were made after 1940. “cag” represents Swarovski Wattens of Tirol, Austria. The blue triangle indicates the type of lubricant that was to be used. The tan color definitely suggests that this saw service in the North Africa campaign of WWII.

The included bakelite case is in very good condition, and still has an intact leather carry strap and leather belt straps, though they may be wartime replacements. The case closure works perfectly, and it measures 7″W x 5 1/2″H x 3 1/2″ overall. The top has had J.B. MARTIN scratched in, probably the name of the soldier that brought it back. Inside the case are mold numbers, as well as maker code ehe, for H. Römmler of Spremberg / Nieder Lothringen. This was a known plastic maker during WWII, who also produced bakelite buttstocks for the MG 34.

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.