Hensoldt BMJ 10x50 & 7x56 w/cases

[mauser99]

It seems the deeper I dive into optics the more variants I find. Hensoldt seemed to be the only company that made a roof prisim straight tube bino. Pre-war commercial sizes vary heavily. Wartime sets are narrowed down to the 10x50 and 7x56. The tan set shown are Bmj coded and so is the case. Most cases Ive seen are dated 1944 0n the wood insert in the case. The pull Frn coded and dated 42. This set was found complete to include the filters. Its the first set ive owned that had them. The filters seem to be a very light tinted shade of blue. This set has the standard grid in the right side view. .

The 7x56's are much more scarce and I feel have the best optics and veiwing of any handheld set Ive seen. The 56 mm outer occular gives just that much more field of veiw W/no grid. These are always in a slighly taller case w/ the non swivel sling mounts. Pull is Frn coded and dated 44. The body of both sets seems to be made of a zinc type pot metal. As can be seen where the paint has flaked off.

So there are a couple examples of Hensoldts roof prisim.. Hensoldt did make a standard type 6x30 dienstglas but not in a 7x50 0r 10x50 Their straight tube design is un-mistakeable in any wartime photos. Also getting to variations, is a quick shot of a major portion of my voightlander/ddx 6x30's collection. Im about two or three variations short..

 

[mjones]

Wayne,
Very interesting info. Thanks for posting. Nice binoculars too.
Mike

 

[John Lawson]

Nice collection

Good information and nice collection.

 

[mauser99]

thanks. I actually had another set of tan 10x50's that were slightly shorter. But, I sold them @ the last allentown show. So far there seem to be at least 4 variations of this type. Its not till you place them side by side that you notice the difference.

 

[Luft1]

thanks for such an interesting display. I have a nice pair of 7X56s also and have found the optics to be just what you described when compared to the others. As an aside, mine came in a brown bmj marked case and was dated 1941. Normally I find only the black cases, any thought on the brown one as to where used and by whom?

 

[mauser99]

well, they could be for Luft issue or just an early brown case used later ?? The earlier cases were brown or black with the commercial Hensoldt-wetzlar logo.

 

[denny gaither]

Nice display Wayne!

Here is my Hensoldt 7x56 in a brown 1941 dated case. Note the filter color.

 

[mauser99]

Great set by the way. It's nice that hensoldt decided to date the cases as this gives us a timeline of when these were made.
I see those filters are amber. I know some naval sets were issued with two sets of filters. The tan set I posted has the blue + sign for cold climate so I wonder if that had anything to do with what filters they were shipped with ???

Not all the sets have a grease symbol. As that started around 41 with the K.F. rating then the symbols were introduced to designate the grease type.

 

[Sarge]

Here are some/most of my bino collection.
I think both of my 7x56s are dated 44. One set has , I believe, yellow filters. The other set - with the Heer eagle - has the trophy papers where the filters should be. Actually not trophy papers, but a typed bill of sale from an Army PX dated 1946 to a DA civilian employee.
I also have a set of the Hensoldt/W 6x30s. Is the M for Kriegsmarine instead of the eagle M?
Some photos.
Sarge

 

[mauser99]

Sarge, thanks for sharing.. I have a set 0f 6x30's like that with capture papers as well ! The M on those from what Ive been told and read stood for metric. That' practice was dropped very early on. Along the the H/6400 marking . Those sets you have are civilian center focus type. There were pressed into military service and are issued in blank military type cases from what Ive observed. Also I see a set of 8x30 zeiss I think. And a nice set of cxn bakelite binos... I did just pick up a mint spare case or those if you are interested ...


Oh , I just read the youre post again and was able to blow up the paperwork. Yes those hensoldts are prewar commercial and were mated up with an un-used case and sold to the public. A very popular item as you can tell.. Hensoldt was another firm that was lucky enough to survive the war and prospered post war.

 

[John Lawson]

Reference books?

Are there any good reference books available on WW 2 German binoculars? I'm getting hooked!

 

[jack944]

Book

Militarische Fernglaser Und Fernrohre in Heer, Luftwaffe Und Marine: Military Binoculars and Telescopes for Land, Air and Sea Service. by Hans Seeger

Revised and expanded 3rd edition. Illustrated with over 900 B&W photographs. Text is in German but two key chapters and all illustration captions are in English. The binocular bible! Published, 2005

Sarge...love that Bake set.....

 

[mauser99]

there is another by Rohan. Military handheld binoculars..

John if you need a fix Ill have a 1/2 dozen sets or so for sale @ Allentown..



Seeger's book is over 2bills and its being revised and reprinted so wait if you can...

 

[John Lawson]

Allentown

I will be over to check them out. As we all know its always best to buy a good reference book(s) first or good web site with info.
The Corvette is going to the paint booth in September so I need something "affordable" (as compared to Mausers, P38's, etc.) to play with while its being repainted.

 

[mauser99]

some binos can far exceed a p38 or k98... It all depends what they are.. I still owe you big.. So If you are interested in any you can have them @ cost... I have a stunning set of 7x56's I just picked up that are duplicates.

 

[jack944]

"Books

Wayne,

Can you provide a quick review of each book ? I don't have either and want to get one or both. Is the reprint going to be in English ?


Everything under the sun is in tune.......

 

[John Lawson]

Allentown

I'll see you on Friday afternoon.
Would you consider doing a binocular display at a future show? We are always looking for new displays, display tables are free and we give cash and trophies to all participants. We could use some new blood in the display program especially in the WW 2 field. You also get in at Noon on Friday (that would include Mike).

 

[mauser99]

I don't have either.. Just started getting into binos and get my info off line and form other collectors. There is an optic section on waf and there are some really knowledgeable folks on there. Rohan's book is decent as I've flipped through it. Its a good overview. Seeger's book is the bible. I wish they would come out with an English version.

John. Id like to do a display but Im very limited on room in the car. I have a couple larger pieces as well.. Maybe some day.

There is also a dedicated forum for binos. But I cant seem to access it. Something to do with browser or compatibility issues as its an overseas sight.