Item: WWI Austro-Hungarian Military Zeiss D.F.12 20 40 x 80 Binocular
Sold For: $6,500.00
Bids: 4
Date: Jun 12, 2012
Auction: Ebay
Description and Image By: helenjasmin
The D.F. 12 20 40×80 binocular was developed by Carl Zeiss Jena for battlefield surveillance during WWI. It represents state of the art in optical design for the period.
This is an impressive, ruggedly built military binocular, constructed of steel, aluminum and naval brass. It is painted black and weighs approx. 23 lbs. and fully extended it is approx. 23 1/2″ long and 9 1/2″ wide.
Magnification change is by rotating the oculars. These operate smoothly and lock securely in place.
There is an adjustable cross-hairs in the right ocular.
The adjustable level is working perfectly.
The steel prism holders can be rotated way out to accommodate two observers.
Original sun-shades with covers work as they should.
Focusing adjustments vary from smooth to very tight due to very dry lubricant. All the lenses are free of visible scratches. Prisms and interior lenses have no visible chips or damage.
The view is clear but for a sharper view interior lenses and prisms will need to be cleaned.
The binocular is marked with the double eagle of the Imperial Austro-Hungarian Army, an ally of Germany during WWI, a Zeiss serial number and a military serial number. The left prism cover has Carl Zeiss Jena inscribed on it.
The tripod is the original military optical tripod painted dark green. It is still very rugged and stable. Sturdy construction of brass, steel and oak. Tensioning adjustments and height adjustments work very well. The tripod weighs approx. 11 lbs.
This is an impressive display of a very rare WWI Zeiss military binocular that is complete and undamaged that with care and patience could be completely restored.
For condition see pictures.