German WW1 Fernglas 08 Binoculars with Neck Strap and Case. This example was made by Emil Busch A.G. Rathenow, Germany. They have non-ferrous metal machined tubes with black paint finish. 4 ¾” wide x 4 3/8” tall, with eye-pieces screwed in x 2” deep at large end. The Fernglas 08 Binocular was used extensively by the Germans throughout World War One. It’s simple straight through design allowed a superior bright view, but a narrow field of vision. This example is in very nice condition. It comes complete with it’s cloth neck strap. The strap has light (almost chamois) leather reinforcements at the rivets where it attaches to the binocular tubes. These leather tabs are present, but one tab is partially un-sewn, through still present. There are just four spots of wear to the black paint finish, as shown in the photos, approximately 80% of the original paint remains. The locking knob on the rear hinged bridge is marked; “Fernglas 08, 144842, Emil Busch A-G Rathenow”. The left rear bridge in marked; “II.19”, which I believe is a military unit marking. The top of the rear bridge is marked; “Dienstglas, No144842” There is paint loss on this upper portions of these bridges. The optics are excellent, very clear, with very minor interior paint flakes in the left tube and slightly more in the right tube, when looking into the interior from the large end. These flakes are not visible when looking through these from the eye pieces. These focus beautifully, the eye pieces are perfect. The carry case is a “Presstoff” material made with black fabric covering and having leather edge trim. The two leather tabs which close the case are not present. The two leather belt loops on the back of the case are each marked; “Emil Busch A.G. Rathenow”. There is a metal suspender devise riveted towards the top of the case between the belt loops. The lid is hinged with a wide piece of leather riveted to the body and lid. This leather has degraded, it has parted about half of the it’s width, and is wrinkled from opening. It is still well attached, but with this noted condition. The interior of the lid has a “Gebrauchsanwelsung fur das Fernglas 08.” paper label. There is no shoulder strap present on this case. If you are looking for a very nice example of the German WW1 Fernglas 08, here it is. These are in very usable superior condition, with their case and scarce binocular strap. And, the glasses are unit marked! Price: $280.00 (ref. B-915)