CARL ZEISS BINOCTEM 7X50 BINOCULARS VINTAGE GERMAN WWII

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Genuine Carl Zeiss "Binoctem" Model 7 x 50 power Vintage Binoculars . This model was the higher-end of the 7x50's, and was produced from 1931 to 1990. I am unable to find a serial number, but I am venturing an educated guess that these date from the 30's or 40's and possibly have seen wartime use. They are not military marked, but this does not necessarily mean they were not used by the military. The United States had a drive during the war for civilians to donate their binoculars to the military to make up for production shortages, and I assume Germany did the same. The condition is somewhat rough, but complete and all original, and definately useable and servicable. Full-size, they measure 8" wide and 6.75 in length. The pebbled black wrapping on the body is tight, with no tunneling/lifting/peeling/scuffing. T are 2 tiny (1/8" diameter) wear marks on the right side on the large end, close to the plate (w someone likely turned the screws with a screwdriver long ago). This is hardly noticable, but worth mentioning. Aside from the top sides of the body wrap being somewhat smooth from handling (not worn through finish) the wrapping is fine. The center hinges are firm, not loose and have no slop. The center focus wheel appears to be brown bakelite, with a black finish applied (t is a very small chip on the wheel, near the number "0" , visible in photo- no big deal, but worth mentioning). The eyecups are also black coated brown material with minor wear but no cracks or chips. The center focus adjuster is a little stiff (better than being too loose, in my opinion) and the wheel has a tendency to back away from the frame, when turning to the right (descreasing the focal length). This can be avoided by putting minor pressure on the lens assembly with your finger when turning the knob. I have not made an attempt to fix the wheel, and do not know if it would require replacement of parts, but would like to point out that this problem exists and it does not interfere with the focusing. Turning the knob to the left (increasing the focal length) works fine. The right diopter has a small amount of play, but turns smoothly without being too loose. I have lubricated the moving parts with lighweight oil (sparingly), because lubrication had been neglected for many years. The body appears to be Zinc, as well as the bezels on the large lenses, and the rings on the small lenses. T is some minor white oxidation to the Zinc parts, as well as minor paint loss. The end plates appear to be Aluminum, and also appear to have been re-painted long ago (care was taken not to paint over the maker marks on the user end- shown in photo). T is minor paint loss and wear to the edges of the aluminum plates. The word "Germany" appears on the center ring on the user end. I know that serial numbers were typically applied to the hinge arms close to the barrels, but either they were painted over or were never t to begin with. I tend to think they were never t- although the numbers were shallow, t is no evidence of their being under the paint. The optics are of the highest quality (most definately uncoated). T is no chipping or cracks, but t is very minor scratching on the right side user end, and the left side large end. Internally, t is very small debris and very minor spotting with very minor fungus and minor clouding in the extreme periphery. All these condition issues are almost not apparent when looking through the lenses in normal operation. Images are bright and clear and extremely sharp. Collimation (alignment) is perfect. These binoculars are not perfect, but I have done my best to describe and photograph them accurately. T is nothing missing/repaired/replaced or non-original (except for the re-painting that I mentioned). They are sold As-Is, no case or strap. Thanks for looking. read more

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