BACKGROUND: The German armed forces used a wide variety of optical enhancement items with the 6 x 30 power, (6 power magnification with a 30mm diameter objective lens), binoculars being the standard issue optics utilized by all branches of service. Although the 6 x 30 power binoculars were the standard issue the Kriegsmarine utilized a variety of stronger powered binoculars which were regularly issued to naval commanders, watch and deck personnel and included the 7 x 50 power and larger binoculars.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Cast alloy construction binocular bodies with brass fittings and water-proofing protective rubber seals to ocular ends. Field-grey paint which is retained about 75%. Rubber seals to ocular ends have separate raised eye sockets with small alloy retaining clips. Rubber seals to both ends show edge cracking but are fully intact. Optics are crisp and clean. Right hand side ocular end well marked with stamped designation, "7x50", (7 power magnification with a 50mm diameter objective lens), serial number, "38531", and manufacturers code, "blc", for Carl Zeiss Jena. Scarce U-Boat crew type.