Binoculars Carl Zeiss Jena Teleater 3x13.5 (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 (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 device presented today belongs to the variant in the "luxury" design with a removable handle for convenience during observations. Its differences from the design of the previous version:

   - crocodile leather trim on the binocular body;

   - diopter correction has been moved to the left eyepiece

   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 16 mm. The design of the objective frames uses bushings with grooves to reduce parasitic side light. Some metal parts of the binoculars are gilded. Unfortunately, the removable handle has been lost.
   Inscriptions on the left prism cover "Carl Zeiss Jena". On the right prism cover is "Teleater 1219067 3x13.5". The inscription is printed on the background of a schematic image of a Carl Zeiss Tessar photo lens.
The binocular case is also made of crocodile leather, has a side pocket and a mirror inside. Near the lock there is an embossed Carl Zeiss Jena logo.
   The serial number of the binoculars is 1219067, it was manufactured in 1924 in a batch of 600 pieces.