• Dienstglas Binoculars

A pair of good quality, vintage, Dienstglas ddx (Voigtlander) 6×30 World War 2 lightweight military binoculars, THE CAST METAL FRONT BRACING IS CRACKED AROUND THE PIVOT (see photo number six), STILL WORK BUT NEED ATTENTION, ALSO THERE IS A SMALL CRACK IN THE RIGHT HAND BAKELITE EYE CUP (NOT AFFECTING USE). Alignment is fine and the coated optics are quite clear for the age, you get a clear view when using them, features individual eyepiece focusing. Cosmetically they have quite a lot of wear to the crinkle finish but otherwise in a fair condition.

Made by Viogtlander in Germany, serial number 238269, comes with original good quality black Bakelite military case with belt loops. Special light weight alloy binoculars for the German military.

Hi Jonathancol,you have an interesting set of 6x30. I would love to know its history.A few personal observations:(i) serial # 337462 is medium in the sandfarben colour range of binoculars. The highest serial number is 407794The ddx transition from black finished binocular bodies to sandfarben was about 270684.(ii) based on serial numbers and the lubrication code ddx serial #337462 was made about early 1944.(iii) the binocular case is a commercial case.Not a Heer contract case.(iv). The photos of the neck strap provided dont show much detail.

The strap is quite broad but I believe it is genuine. This strap appears to have attachment tabs which once upon a time would be secured to the side of a rubber or bakelte rainguard (Benutzerkappe).

This has been detached.(v) When you look closely at the photos of ddx Serial #337462 it is apparent that there are two distinct paint colours, different coloured eyecups,and different types of base metal on the prism covers. It looks as if the left binocular assembly and the right binocular assembly are different paint colours /different production batches. Also the top right prism cover should possibly show more wear on its leading edges to be consistent with the overall wear and tear on the binocular body.

I will let the reader draw his own conclusions as to when this coming together of the two halves occurred. Excellent info! So, DAK would be tan, but painted over black? DDX would be one of the primary makers as well?The wear on the right side is substantially more (possibly used by someone right handed) than the left, but it shows wear as well. I can definitely see the question about the tan being different, but in person it is the same with different shades showing from dirt and use. I also did not see anything that would make me think that one half was pulled off and a new one added.Here are some pics. THOSE are ddx aka voightlander.

Dienstglas Binoculars

These are the most common you will come across. Cag are the second most common. The tan ones usually sell for a little more that the same type in black. Anyway the paint loss isnt wear.

Its just flaking off due to oxidation of the pot metal the body is made of. Wiping the body down with some wd40 will slow this down.Also: What Willi means is if you had a black set with hand applied tan paint these would be considered tropical or A.K. There is no chance any ord.tan binos made it to africa.