Binoculars Carl Zeiss Jena Teleater 3x

   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 (see photo). 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 first design version. Its distinctive features:
   - field of view 13.3 ° (in later modifications it will increase to 13.7 °);
   - no diopter adjustment on the eyepieces;
   - the upper flat washer of the central hinge does not have an interpupillary distance scale;
   - the focusing wheel has perpendicular notches (later — longitudinal).

   - there are no loops for attaching a neck strap or handle.

   The width of the upper prism cover is 35.5 mm, the height of the binoculars from the lower edge of the objective lens 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 17 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". On the right prism cover - "Teleater 155543 3x". The inscription is applied in block letters with silver solder against the background of a schematic image of a Carl Zeiss Tessar photo lens. In addition, there is an inscription on the covers "Dollond London": the binoculars were sold in London in the stores of the well-known English company Dollond.
   The device comes with an elegant case with a small mirror and a pocket on the back (see photo).
   The serial number of the binoculars is 155543, it was manufactured at the end of 1908.