Original Item: Only One Available. This is a rare Word War Two German manufactured Leitz Scherenfernrohr S.F.14.Z.Gi. in the original dark blue / gray finish, with an original WWII period tripod, which may have been repainted.

In 1894, Carl Zeiss introduced a new and unusual type of prism binocular. Zeiss called its invention the Scherenfernrohr (scissors telescope) – an 8 x 10 power device fitted with adjustable twin periscopic extensions connected by a hinge. An observer could position the tubular “ears” upright and parallel to each other or splayed out horizontally for greater depth perception (stereoscopic vision), causing objects to appear in modelled relief, strongly distinct from the background and thus estimate the range. This hybrid between binoculars and a periscope enabled the observer to remain safely concealed in dug-outs, behind walls or even tree trunks with only the objective lens visible to the enemy.

By World War II the design remained virtually unchanged except for an upgrade in magnification to 10 x 50 and continued to be a useful tool in the Wehrmacht for general observation (in both vehicles and on the ground) and for artillery fire observation and direction throughout the war. This particular configuration, the S.F.14.Z.Gi., was developed by Ernst Leitz GmbH, who would go on to design the Leica camera after WWII.

It was to be used for: Observation and reconnaissance; Measuring angles of azimuth; Measuring angles of site and elevation; Measuring height of shell bursts; Establishing safety zones for advancing friendly troops; and to lay field guns.

It was often seen employed in different roles such as in vehicles being specifically delivered as standard equipment in many German armored fighting vehicles such as the StuG III, Jagdpanzer 38, Jagdpanzer IV, Panther and on the King Tiger where it can
often be seen poking out the commander’s cupola primarily as a safe method for
him to observe the enemy without risk to life

Made of aluminum, brass, and steel, this example was made by one of the very best makers at the time, Ernst Leitz Gmbh, Wetzlar - Germany, as indicated by the maker code beh on the bottom of the right barrel. This company was the designer of this particular type of rabbit ear optics. Ernst Leitz II (1 March 1871 – 15 June 1956) was a German business person and humanitarian. He was the second head of the optics company now known as Leica Camera and organized the Leica Freedom Train to allow people, most of whom were Jewish, to escape from Germany during NSDAP times.

The rabbit ear optics still retain 95% of of their paint and finish, and are in solid condition, measuring about 20 inches long from the base clamp to the top. The optics are fully functional with mostly clear optics that are probably just in need of a good cleaning. All lenses are intact, and the reticle grid in the right side is still present. The focus adjustment on the left side is VERY stiff, while the right side is frozen, so they definitely could use a professional servicing. Data information is stamped into the bottom of the right barrel, which reads:

S.F.14.Z.Gi.

H/6400

beh ✚
9504

The included tripod is made of the correct wood and metal for the period, with brass fittings and a central aluminum hub. It fits the optics perfectly, and is fully operationa. The style of manufacture and fittings matches other WWII examples we have seen, though we were not able to locate any maker markings.,

A great set of WWII optics by a legendary maker! Ready to display, or even use!

One of the more unique WWII battlefield optical systems developed by Leitz, manufacturer of the Leica camera. This hybrid between binoculars and a periscope enabled the observer to remain safely concealed with only the objective lens visible to the enemy. The Wehrmacht used it for general observation (in vehicles and on the ground) and for artillery fire observation and direction.

According to "Der Artillerist, Der Kanonier (1940) the Scherenfernrohr was to be used for:

1) Observation and reconnaissance
2) Measuring angles of
3) Measuring angles of site and elevation
4) Measuring height of shell bursts
5) Establishing safety zones for advancing friendly troops
6) And to lay field guns.

To aid ground infantry and artillery observers the Scherenfernrohr was used in conjunction with a tripod leg assembly. It normally came with accessories such as the azimuth mount and spirit level, tripod, carrying case, and other items such as a battery powered removable illumination lamp kit and a trench mount (often referred to as a tree screw which was approximate to a sort of cork screw that could allow the mount to be imbedded in wood or the ground).