Binoculars Carl Zeiss Jena Teleater 3x (1)

   In 1902, the famous German company Goerz introduced a small prismatic binocular (prism type - Porro I) Fago with a magnification of 3 1/3x especially for theater lovers. The device was a success and engineers from Carl Zeiss needed to respond with something. In 1907, the first models of Carl Zeiss Teleater 3x binoculars with a lens diameter of 13.5 mm appeared. Externally, it is very similar to its competitor from Goerz and is also built on a prismatic design (Porro I). Focusing in both devices - the central type, was carried out using lenses. The first official mention of Teleater can be found in the Carl Zeiss T74 catalog in 1910. At that time, the Teleater 3x13.5 together with the Teletur 6x15 were the most compact prismatic binoculars from Carl Zeiss.
   The binoculars were produced intermittently during the First World War until 1931, later replaced by the Theatis 3.5x15 model. Magnification of 3x and low plasticity (the objectives are closer to each other than the eyepieces), low weight and small dimensions were ideal for observing theatrical performances.
   The first models were produced in traditional black body finish and cases with mirrors. A little later, luxury models for ladies appeared, with mother-of-pearl, lizard and crocodile skin, and gilded metal parts. The cases were offered in the form of boxes or "wallets" made of regular leather or crocodile skin. Later, handles of two types were added to the design for ease of observation: first non-removable, and then removable.

   The binoculars presented today belong to the second design option. Its differences from the first option:
   - field of view is 13.7 ° (in the first option - 13.3 °);
   - there is already a diopter adjustment on the right eyepiece;
   - the upper washer of the central hinge already has a scale of interpupillary distances;
   - the focusing wheel has longitudinal notches (previously - perpendicular).
   - there are loops for attaching a neck cord/strap (previously they were absent).
   - there are minor changes in the design of the eyepiece and objective bodies (see photo)

   The width of the upper prism cover is 35.5 mm, the height of the binoculars from the lower edge of the objective frames (at maximum focusing distance) to the upper prism cover is 41 mm. The prism covers are attached to the body with three screws. The diameter of the eyepiece base is 16 mm. The lens mounts are designed with grooved bushings to reduce stray side light.
   The inscriptions on the left prism cap are "Carl Zeiss Jena". On the right prism cap - "Teleater 208470 3x". The inscription is applied in printed letters with silver solder against the background of a schematic image of a Carl Zeiss Tessar photo lens.
   The binoculars come with an elegant "wallet" case (see photo).
   The serial number of the binoculars is 208470, it was manufactured in 1910 in a batch of 300 pieces.