WW2 German Kriegsmarine 12x60 FLAK SPOTTING BINOCULAR FRENCH VICHY NAVY
Made by Carl Zeiss, this was made specifically for the. French Vichy Government under the command of Marshal. Pétain between 1942 and 1944.
The 12x60 Flak spotting binocular was developed as a high-powered optical instrument for anti-aircraft observation and target acquisition. While the standard German military version saw widespread service with the Luftwaffe, this scarce.Variant was produced by Carl Zeiss Jena specifically for the Vichy French Government under Marshal Philippe Pétain during the German occupation of France. Examples are believed to have been manufactured, compared to more than. Of the standard German model, making this contract variation considerably scarcer.
These binoculars were employed as optical directors for long-baseline rangefinders and anti-aircraft batteries, allowing crews to acquire, identify, and track Allied aircraft before engaging them with heavy Flak batteries or directing fighter interceptors. The Vichy France (officially the French State) was the collaborationist government that ruled unoccupied France from July 1940 to September 1944 during World War II.
Headed by WWI hero Marshal Philippe Pétain, the regime actively collaborated with Germany and implemented authoritarian policies. The Vichy French Navy (Marine Nationale) retained control over France's major naval fleet under the 1940 armistice.
Alloy and aluminum construction, these 12x60 power rangefinder/ targeting binoculars are in EXCELLENT used condition! Dating around 1942, they retain approx. 95% of their original German Navy Grey camouflage paint and finish; the eye sockets are intact; and the focus rotates smoothly! The optics are VERY CLEAR, however, there is some spotting in the right eyepiece (see photo).
Left eyepiece is VERY clear, with no issues. He data plate is FULLY intact, indicating. The rubber head pads are 100% COMPLETE and still VERY SOFT!
Filter knobs rotates correctly, as does the optical focus. Sunshield is also original to this set and functions perfectly! Also still retain the original bakelite Rain Shield/Cover for the oculars.
An EXTREMELY RARE wartime Vichy French Navy contract variation and one of the most desirable versions of the famous German 12x60 Flak binocular for the advanced collector of German optics. A PERFECT example for any collection or display!