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Can anyone help me with information about a green/blue bodied pair of binoculars? They are stamped 'beh' and have the serial number 441323. There are no other marks.

I'm interested in any branch of the Kreigsmarine which may have used a coloured version rather than the traditional black. I recall reading that blue ones were available but have no hard information.

Also, is there any way of dating the pair from the serial number?

Any information will be gratefully received.
Thanks,
Mike

Hello Mike,

Your binoculars were made by Ernst Leitz. But I'm guessing the only way to work out the year of manufacture from thr serial number would be by knowing how many pairs the company made since production of coded binoculars began. Given that the serial number is 441323 they are not early.

Nice item to own and valuable too!

Thanks for that. Any thoughts on the colour variation?

Mike

Hi Mike,

The green colour was not factory applied as far as I know, probably added later. btw I would expect KM isssue binos to be so marked with an "M" for marine. I wonder if the ones you have might not be Army related. Any reason you think they are KM related?

Cheers,
Simon

Thanks Simon,
The only reason I suspected a Kreigsmaring connection is something I read a long toime ago (and have forgotten where!) that the navy sometimes used a blue version. I agree that they should have a Kreigsmarine eagle and/or letter M. I've never really considered an army issue - but it may be another place to look. I'm fairly sure the colour is original rather than a later addition. If I can remember how to do it, I'll add a photo or two.

Mike

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