Germany, Wehrmacht. A Set of Field Binoculars, by Hensoldt & Söhne Werke A-G, c.1941

(Wehrmacht Fernglas). This is an extremely well-preserved set of Second War period Wehrmacht field binoculars. 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", with ocular and objective lenses constructed of glass. The underside of the bridge is marked in two locations, with the left side bearing the code "bmj" indicating manufacture by Hensoldt & Söhne Werke A-G, Wetzlar, along with the serial number "588170", while the right side is inscribed with "Dienstglas" (“Service Glass”) and the "10 x 50" magnification power. The binoculars measure 138 mm (w) x 220 mm (l) x 58 mm (h) when fully extended. The metal body tubes are painted a field-drab tan, and each features a loop which formerly accommodated a neck strap. The binoculars are accompanied by their heavily stitched black leather case, with a wood plate riveted in place in the lid, marked with the “bmj” code and date of “1944”, along with a handwritten name of “King”. The plate has 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 to the reverse of the case itself via a wide leather band acting as a hinge and held in place by nine magnetic metal rivets. The front of the cap has a magnetic metal bracket with a rectangular O-ring, the latter attached to a thick black clasp stamped "frn 42" in two locations, the opposite end with a bracket exhibiting a die-hole with a slight extension to the hole. When placed around the post on the front of the case, the clasp ensures that the cap sits flush with the body of the case. The bracket is finished with a black fabric pull strap. The case is flanked by two clasps, each secured with three metal rivets, which formerly accommodated a shoulder strap. In addition to the missing neck and shoulder straps, the metal exterior of the body tubes exhibits slight paint chipping, but the binoculars are in an otherwise near extremely fine condition.