Original German WWII Kriegsmarine Navy U-Boat 7×50 Binoculars by Ernst Leitz with Original Straps & Rubber Fittings in 1944 Dated Case Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good pair of extremely rare German WWII Kriegsmarine U-boat 7×50 binoculars, made by Ernst Leitz GmbH of Wetzlar, a specialist lens maker, and one of the finest makers of the time. They are equipped with rubber fittings around the eyepieces which have broken off, the objectives, and even around the drum shaped mirror housing. This made them virtually impervious to moisture, possibly even if immersed in water for a short time, definitely a plus on a U-boat! As they have the rubber fittings, the eyepieces do not have bakelite cups, as they are part of the rubber molding. Unlike most examples, this set includes the very scarce original leather straps on both the binoculars themselves and the case.

Gently pulling up the housing on the back of the left barrel shows the Leitz 3-letter code beh under the 7 X 50 magnification settings. The other side of the barrel shows serial number 473729. We were unfortunately not able to get pictures of these, as we feared tearing the rare rubber fittings. The optics are clear and functional and come complete with original leather neck strap. Really a great set of binoculars here. They measure approximately 9″ x 7 1/2″ x 3“. As previously stated, the rubber eye covers are both retained but they have broken off of the binoculars themselves. The binoculars appear to have been captured due to an American or British sounding name etched into the binoculars on the middle bar, S.H. Price.

The binoculars come in their original black issue case, which has the Kriegsmarine Eagle / M proof on the lid. Under the lid is maker code and date 1944 beh, so these were also made by Leitz. The case aso retained its VERY rare leather strap, but the closing mechanism on the case is broken off at the end.

There are filter slots on the inside of the lid, but they are empty. Both belt loops on the back are retained, and the case is in overall phenomenal condition.

A great set of rare binoculars ready for further research and display!