Binoculars Carl Zeiss Jena Feldstecher 8 Fach

   This is the most massive civic binocular among first three Carl Zeiss Jena prismatic models having 4-x, 6-x and 8-x magnification.

   60,000 of such devices were released from 1894 to 1908. Flat prism covers made of brass (the earlier models were made of aluminum) and a central hinge, which is attached to binoculars halves with the help of screws, belong to distinctive features of this model. The civilian application of this model is also proved by the central hinge fixture’s (clamp’s) small diameter (see photo), which has a hole for a knob (included to binoculars delivery kit), with the help of which the hinge could have been finally fixed depending on the observer’s interpupillary distance. The “earlier” 4-x and 6-x models have the same fixture design. The interpupillary distances scale is indicated on the upper hinge disk (this scale was absent in earlier models and the disc had a flat shape). This model’s objective diameter is equal to 20 mm (the earlier model had an aperture equal to 18 mm) and 8x magnification. The binocular’s field of view and the eyepiece’s FOV are enlarged in comparison with the previous model http://binocollection.com/catalog/binoculars-carl-zeiss-jena-feldstecher-vergr81.html
   This device possesses the eyepieces of the so-called "1/3" design (see Hans T.Seeger. Zeiss-Feldstecher, Handfernglaser von 1894-1919, Modelle-Merkmale-Mythos, pp.114-116) with the base diameter equal to 20.5 mm and the top prism cover width equal to 44 mm. The binoculars with such eyepieces design were produced approximately from 1903 to 1906 (according to other sources – up to 1905) (see photo).
    The binoculars frame hinge is attached to its halves with the help of 5 screws from each side. The device has short “lugs” for a jugular strap, which are attached to binoculars with the help of 2 screws (the previous model had longer “lugs”). There are inscriptions “Carl Zeiss, Jena. D.R.P.” on the left prism cover. D.R.P. is an abbreviation for Deutsches Reichs Patent. There is also an inscription “Feldstecher. 8 Fach.” on the right prism cover. The inscription is encrusted in block letters with the help of silver alloy against the background of Carl Zeiss Tessar photo lens schematic image (the earlier models had an inscription in italics up to 1904).
    This binocular is extremely interesting in terms of its dating. It has serial number "132821" and was produced in 1908. The continuous serial numbering of binoculars regardless of their models had already appeared by that time and starting from 1907 the devices with a new case and optics design were produced. This interesting fact is described in Hans T.Seeger book Zeiss-Feldstecher, Handfernglaser von 1894-1919, Modelle-Merkmale-Mythos, p.164, p.758. The analogical binocular having serial number "132947" is represented there. Thus, some small series of the “old” design binoculars with corresponding serial numbers could have been produced later. In addition, there is an inscription “Agents Ross Ltd. Opticians. III New Bond St. London W.” on binoculars’ right front prism cover. It means that the binocular was produced for Carl Zeiss Jena’s partner (agent), for an English company Ross.
    The binocular’s coffer has peculiarities specific to that period (see Hans T.Seeger. Zeiss Handfernlaser 1919-1946, Modelle-Merkmale-Mythos, pp. 607-627), namely, the design of self-tightening side belt fasteners, carrying handle on the top cover, the top cover fastening to coffer’s case, specific rivets (see photo).
      The earlier model of this binocular with "2/3"-type of eyepieces, inscriptions in italics and specific coffer is available by the following link: http://binocollection.com/catalog/binoculars-carl-zeiss-jena-feldstecher-vergr81.html
   The earlier model of this binocular with "3/3"-type of eyepieces, inscriptions in italics and unique coffer is available by the following link: http://binocollection.com/catalog/binoculars-carl-zeiss-jena-feldstecher-vergr8.html