Is there such a magical place... (1 Viewer)

[RoyK]

...where you can look up a Zeiss binocular S/N and get a manufacture date? I find it mind-boggling that the ordinarily meticulous Germans (and I happen to be one) can't seem to provide this information. I've been Googling for hours and it's like trying to solve the DiVinci Code!

In my case it's an 8x30, S/N 587752. I also have a larger pair (I think) of Jena's kicking around somewhere. I am second-generation German and both binocs were in the family, who came in through Ellis Island in the 19-teens, so I'm guessing they are legit. They also made muliple trips back and forth to Germany over the decades, so the binocs may be much newer than the early days when they emigrated here (especially considering they didn't have a pot to piss in when they arrived as young adults/late teens).

Not that I would ever sell them, but are they worth anything? Just curious about the age.

-Roy
(new member)

 

[Troubador]

...where you can look up a Zeiss binocular S/N and get a manufacture date? I find it mind-boggling that the ordinarily meticulous Germans (and I happen to be one) can't seem to provide this information. I've been Googling for hours and it's like trying to solve the DiVinci Code!

In my case it's an 8x30, S/N 587752. I also have a larger pair (I think) of Jena's kicking around somewhere. I am second-generation German and both binocs were in the family, who came in through Ellis Island in the 19-teens, so I'm guessing they are legit. They also made muliple trips back and forth to Germany over the decades, so the binocs may be much newer than the early days when they emigrated here (especially considering they didn't have a pot to piss in when they arrived as young adults/late teens).

Not that I would ever sell them, but are they worth anything? Just curious about the age.

-Roy
(new member)

Peter Abrahams site: http://www.europa.com/~telscope/binotele.htm used to have this information up to a certain point in time but the Europe domain is up for sale and I haven't located any other site.

Lee

 

[Mono]

The site mentioned above is available on the Internet Archive

The history of the telescope and the binocular

 

[Troubador]

The site mentioned above is available on the Internet Archive

The history of the telescope and the binocular

Many thanks for this Mono!

Lee

 

[Foss]

Hi RoyK,
They appear to be post-WWII Zeiss model Deltrintem or Jenoptem. Both models enjoyed super-long production runs. You set would be worth about $100 to the right buyer.
~ Foss

 

[dries1]

The one in the photo is the Zeiss 8X30B made in Wetzlar (West Germany), now these were made from the late 50s I believe to the late 60s through the 70s. I would think these are early 60 s give or take a few. If in good shape about $300 or thereabouts.

Legendary binoculars - Carl Zeiss 8x30 - Carl Zeiss 8x30 - 1954-1978

In April 1945 the Third United States Army under command of George S. Patton entered Jena and occupied the Carl Zeiss Jena factory. According to eyewitnesses the factory, despite intensive air raids of the Allied Forces, was in a good shape ...

www.allbinos.com

 

[RoyK]

Thank you all. Maybe I’ll keep them by the window in my 2nd floor bedroom instead of the vintage display case (secretary) downstairs in my living room. I already have a wonderful pair of Nikons downstairs in my kitchen cabinet for quick access to my yard from that level.

 

[Troubador]

...where you can look up a Zeiss binocular S/N and get a manufacture date? I find it mind-boggling that the ordinarily meticulous Germans (and I happen to be one) can't seem to provide this information. I've been Googling for hours and it's like trying to solve the DiVinci Code!

In my case it's an 8x30, S/N 587752. I also have a larger pair (I think) of Jena's kicking around somewhere. I am second-generation German and both binocs were in the family, who came in through Ellis Island in the 19-teens, so I'm guessing they are legit. They also made muliple trips back and forth to Germany over the decades, so the binocs may be much newer than the early days when they emigrated here (especially considering they didn't have a pot to piss in when they arrived as young adults/late teens).

Not that I would ever sell them, but are they worth anything? Just curious about the age.

-Roy
(new member)

Zeiss confirm year of production was 1967.

Lee