A Set of 1943 Wehrmacht Field Binoculars by Hensoldt & Söhne Werke A-G, Wetzlar

These functioning binoculars were veteran acquired at Le Havre, France and feature a non-magnetic metal housing on the body painted in black. The body tubes housing the lenses are joined together at four locations, forming a bridge, with a central cylinder between the tubes, the cylinder itself finished with a screw at the eyepiece end. Both eyepieces are functional and are gradated in plus and minus on either side of "0", the ocular and objective lenses are glass, with only a small contact mark appearing on the right objective lens. The underside of the bridge is marked in two locations: on the left side with the code "bmj" (indicating the manufacturer, Hensoldt & Söhne Werke A-G, Wetzlar) and the serial number "534905"; on the right side "Dienstglas" (Service Glass) and the "10x50"magnification power. The binoculars measure 138 mm in width x 220 mm in length x 57 mm in height and when fully extended, they measure 228 mm in length, weighing 776 grams inclusive of the leather neck strap and black plastic cap. The binoculars are accompanied by their heavily stitched black leather case, with a wood plate quadruple riveted in place in the lid, marked with left-facing eagle above the code "NaA414" and date stamped "1943", the plate with two recessed areas lined in black felt, each housing a cap for the ocular lenses and secured in place by a leather retaining strap. The lid is attached on to the reverse of the case itself via a wide leather band acting as a hinge and held in place by six rivets. The front of the cap has a metal bracket with a rectangular O-ring, the latter attached to a thick black clasp stamped "frn 42" in two locations, one on either end, the opposite end with a bracket exhibiting a die-hole with a slight extension to the hole, and when placed around the post on the front of the case, ensures a snug fit of the cap to the body of the case. The bracket is finished with a black fabric pull strap. The original leather shoulder strap has eight holes for length adjustment, two metal buckles and three leather sliders and is attached to pivoting magnetic metal brackets on either side of the case that are secured to the body of the case by two rivets each, the case measuring 75 mm x 145 mm x 242 mm. The metal exterior on the binoculars exhibits scattered paint chipping, along with the aforementioned small contact mark appearing on the right objective lens, is dent-free of the metal parts and without chips or dings on the eye cups, the binoculars themselves sturdy, having survived the test of time. The leather on the case shows crazing and scuff marks on the exterior from active use, the reinforced stitching on the leather remaining intact. Very fine. (C:152)