*German, WW1, Imperial NCO Binoculars: Voigtländer Braunschweig Fernglas Mod 08, 6×39, with Spandau Acceptance Marking K*
Marked: Voigtländer Braunschweig, Mod. 08, No 3602
Serial no: 62533
Marked left hinge lug: “VII 16” – Jul 1916
Marked right hinge lug: “K”
An excellent pair of Imperial German 6×39 Military Fernglas 08 field binoculars with their original leather strap, by Voigtländer. Clear optics, with adjustable eyepieces (missing the rubber eye protectors). The cast body of the binoculars have lanyard bars fitted with original leather neck strap. The adjustment dial is marked with manufacturer and serial number. One hinge arm is stamped “VII 16” indicating manufacture July 1916, the other is stamped ‘K’ a WW1 Gewehr Prüfungskommission Spandau (GPK) rifle inspection office acceptance mark commonly found on German military binoculars from this period but not on postwar models. A fine pair of now scarce binoculars.
Background:
This Galilean-type binocular was designed by CP Goerz, a major competitor of Zeiss until its assimilation by Zeiss in 1926. The Fernglas 08 (or Feldglas 08) was produced between 1908 and 1919 by several German manufacturers, including Goerz, Zeiss, Leitz, Busch, Rodenstock, Spindler & Hoyer, and Voigtländer, to meet German military specifications in response to a 1916 German Government contract for issue to Non Commissioned Officers and were produced until the end of the Great War in 1918 (see page 20 of ‘Military Binoculars & Telescopes For Land Sea & Air Service’ by Seeger where a similar example is illustrated). It became the standard infantry binocular for non-commissioned officers in 1916, favoured for its lower production cost compared to the optically superior Porro prism D.F. 03, allowing for larger-scale manufacturing. Around serial number 4000, Voigtländer began engraving “Braunschweig” on the lens to mark its move to Brunswick, Germany.
Well-made and durable, the Fernglas 08 is reasonably weatherproof, offering approximately 80% light transmission due to its four air-glass surfaces—compared to around 55% in WWI-era 6X prismatic binoculars—resulting in a bright image. However, its narrow 4.4-degree field of view is inferior to the 6–8 degrees typical of contemporary 6X prismatic binoculars.
*Condition*
Good used condition. Expected wear and tear commensurate with its age. Missing rubber eye protection. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQ#AE#SQ2462_9733196354
