Binoculars Carl Zeiss Jena Marinex 6x

   In 1907, Carl Zeiss radically changed the framework and the design of his binoculars, replacing "civilian" models Feldstecher 6 Fach by Telex, Feldstecher 8 Fach by Telact, Jagdglas by Silvamar and Feldstecher 12 Fach by Telefort. The new devices’ detailed characteristics were published in the 74-th volume of Carl Zeiss catalog in August 1907. The optical characteristics were significantly improved in new devices (the field of view and the objective  diameter were increased, optical aberrations were decreased), and the devices’ design was also changed: the central hinge and the “lugs” for a neck strap were not attached to binocular with the help of screws any more, they became integral with it instead, an eccentric objective alignment system appeared and its frame design was also changed, the prism covers spanned the binoculars’ carcass, and they were lubricated with a special compound at the joint points in order to improve impermeability. Moreover, the prisms inside the binoculars were no longer pressed by prism covers – they were fixed with the help of special flat springs instead. It helped increasing the device’s reliability greatly. Actually, the binoculars have survived in such appearance up to present days (see Hans T.Seeger. Zeiss-Feldstecher, Handfernglaser von 1894-1919, Modelle-Merkmale-Mythos, pp.399-414)
   Marinex is, in fact, a complete analogue of the Marineglas military binoculars with similar characteristics. This rare binocular was produced in small batches in two branches of Carl Zeiss: in Vienna (Carl Zeiss Wien) and in Gyor (Zeiss Karoly Gyor - Hungary). At the moment, several copies of this device are known in two modifications:
   - with long lens frames of a two-ring type, covered with leather and a short body;
   - with short lens frames of a two-ring type.
   The name "Marinex" is taken from the military order code (telegraph code): in fact, this is how Marineglas binoculars were designated in the order form (later - D.F.6x30).

Page from the military catalogue Carl Zeiss Jena T82 (1913) for Norway with binoculars D.F.6x30 (code Marinex)

   The "military" use of the binoculars is indicated by the large diameter of the clamp of the central hinge (see photo). The interpupillary distance scale is applied on the upper disk of the hinge.
   This copy of the binoculars has a design with a short body and long objective lens frames of the "two-ring" type (see above). The eyepieces have a base diameter of 24.5 mm, the diameter of the front lens of the eyepieces is 14 mm. There is a diopter scale on the eyepiece body, transverse (perpendicular) knurling. The upper prism covers are made of brass and are attached to the body with three screws. The width of the prism covers is 52 mm (see photo). The height of the binocular body (including the upper prism cover) is 55 mm.
   The inscriptions on the left prism cover are "Carl Zeiss Wien". On the right prism cover - "Marinex 9647 6x". The inscription is inlaid with silver alloy and applied in block letters against the background of a schematic image of a Carl Zeiss Tessar photo lens.
   The binoculars have an unusual serial number of four digits "9647". Many binoculars made in Vienna and Gyor have another serial number on the edge of one of the prism covers, which “fits” into the general sequence of serial numbers of Carl Zeiss Jena binoculars. This number can be used to confidently date the time of manufacture of the binoculars. In the case of one number of four (five digits), the time of manufacture of the device can only be determined approximately, based on design features (in our case, 1910-1911). Most likely, the branches in Vienna and Gyor had their own, internal numbering. This topic requires separate study.
   “Civilian” analogues of the binoculars – the Silvamar 6x models can be seen here.