Original German WWII Luftwaffe Flak Zielfernrohr 20E Z.F.20E Telescopic Sight with Elevation Quadrant by C.A. Steinheil Söhne GmbH Original Items

Original Items: Only One Set Available. Here we have a very nice example of a German WWII Luftwaffe Flak Zielfernrohr 20E (Telescopic Sight 20E or Z.F.20E) used for direct fire. It includes an elbow telescope, angle of site mechanism, range quadrant and elevation mechanism, and deflection mechanism. This periscope came from the American Armoured Foundation, Inc. Tank and Ordnance Memorial Museum. The AAF Tank Museum was a living memorial dedicated to the Tank and Cavalry soldiers of the world, which was unfortunately forced to close recently.

The optics are relatively heavy, and would be attached to one of the 8.8cm Flak guns for use in direct fire. With the various instruments combined, it allowed them to get all of the information they needed for accurate aiming. It measures approximately 11″ x 9″ x 6″, though the eyepiece rotates around the body, so it will measure differently depending on position. The optics are painted dark Luftwaffe blue gray, with a red primer coat underneath. It has the German maker information stamped on a plate on the side, which reads:

O
  bmt ✚
Flak. Z.F.
20 E

This indicates production by C.A. Steinheil Söhne GmbH of Munich, a maker of optical equipment. The symbols around the maker markings would usually be colored, and would indicate the type of lubricant used.

Overall condition is very good, and as far as we can tell, it is still functional, even down to the rotating variable tint eyepieces inside the instrument. There is however definitely deterioration of optical quality, so it almost certainly requires a servicing after having been on display and in collections for so many years.

A wonderful example and comes more than ready for further research and display.