1st model Zeiss 'blc' 7x50 U-boat binoculars

A very rare pair of the so-called '1st model' Zeiss 'blc' coded 7x50 U-boat binoculars in full original, as found condition - complete with all of the outer rubber armour. 
 
Each U-boat would have carried a complement of 10 of these binoculars for use on watch duties whilst surfaced.
 
Whilst this is a first version variant, given the serial number - 2108985 - they are a pair which underwent the factory update to the later, 'standard' specification as per nearly all such examples during the war. This included updated eyepiece surrounds, Benutzer fittings and fitted armour etc. They do however still retain the smaller diameter ocular lenses. 
 
Factory finished in the typical KM shade of yellow/green, this particular set retains the vast majority of the early textured outer paint - with good clear signs of wartime use and wear. 
 
The fixed-focus and coated optics on this pair also still produce a really nice usable image. 
 
A fantastic early artefact from the U-boat arm that certainly didn't sit out of the way!