Binoculars Carl Zeiss Jena Teleater 3x13.5

   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 version of the design in the "luxury" design. Its differences from the usual design of the previous version:

   - the binocular body is finished with mother-of-pearl and gilding;
   - the presence of a handle for convenience during observation (unfortunately, the complete handle was lost in this example);

   - the eyecups are made of metal (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 lenses (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 design of the objective frames uses bushings with grooves to reduce parasitic side light.

   The inscriptions on the left prism cover are "Carl Zeiss Jena". On the right prism cover - "Teleater 1101807 3x13.5". The inscription is printed on the background of a schematic image of a Carl Zeiss Tessar photo lens. In addition, on the upper washer of the central hinge (near the interpupillary distance scale) there is an inscription "Casa Pablo Ferrando Montevideo": most likely, the binoculars were sold in the capital of Uruguay, the city of Montevideo in the optics shop of Pablo Ferrando. The building in which the shop was located was built in the city center in 1917 (see photo).

   The serial number of the binoculars is 1101807, it was manufactured in 1921. In the book Hans T.Seeger. Zeiss Handfernlaser 1919-1946, Modelle-Merkmale-Mythos, p.846 this serial number belongs to a batch of Turolem binoculars (1107701-1102000).