Markings

The technical status of the optics needed a simple identificationsystem. Many optics have numerous markings in names, numbers and codes. On the bigger models the identity was mostly printed on a small attached plate. The smaller types have the specifications engraved in a covering plate. We give a brief explaination of the most seen markings. The manufacturer was always mentioned. The optics made in the interbellum mostly had a logo of the compagny. See the sign of Busch or the prism logo of Zeiss. As the allies found out more about the manufacturers and could pinpoint there positions, they send out the bombers to stop the new supply. So a three letter code was introduced which replaced the compagny logo or name. This code was so secret, that even today not all codes are known. An example is the code "cag", which stands for the firm Swarowski in Wattens, Tirol, nowadays famous for the valuable crystal they make. “lux” stands for Nedinsco, a Zeiss derivation in Venlo, Holland. We bring you these ordnance codes, as found so far, in the menu left, under "Makerscodes".

As part of the markings the magnification and the diameter of the largest lenses are given. The designations "Dienstglas" and H 6400 are also common. Both markings are typical for the "Heer", the army. 6400 refers to the Strich system that we explain in the left menu at "Rangefinding". Other optics present the eagle with the swastika with a "M" or a "O" below. Both markings are specialy for the navy, "Kriegsmarine", but not all pieces have them. The marking “M IV/1” is the code of the navy inspector at the Zeiss factory in Jena.

There are also symbols as “KF”, “0”, “+” or a triangle, all in a specific color. These signs tell the sort of grease that was used. This lubricating and sealing grease determined the range of temperature the optics could handle. Fine tuning dials depend on the right grease. Besides these examples, more rare markings were used to indicated the department in which it was used, such as “Art.” of “Flak (Küste)”. A collector can use the markings to identify if he has found something special and original. However, be aware that markings can be faked.

Different kind of markings.

A fine designation plate to end with. A very rare Doppelfernrohr 10 x 80, made for the navy to be used in extreme conditions, for instance on the bridge of a surface (battle) ship. The angle of the eyepieces measured to the output lenses is 20 degrees. The glass has a gas overpressure of 0,1 ato. The optic was inspected.

"eug" is the maker.
Optische Präzisionswerke GmbH, Warsaw, Poland.
The serial number is 216508.