Turning back restoration

[Lauritz]

I have the opportunity to buy (fairly cheaply) a pair of Zeiss 10x80 large binoculars on a chromed ( partly rusty, untouched) tripod
Somebody made an attempt in the past to ‘tart’ them up, had removed most of the paint and started polishing the metal ( brass and aluminium).
Seems they did not finish it, as the metal shows traces of machining, looks like this is a remnant from the manufacturing.
The optics have been half decently cleaned, or maybe is untouched ?
Seller is unsure.

Now, I have a question:
To try to bring them back to a more properly ‘restored’ state, I would need to paint them again.
I assume I would need to etch or somehow roughen up the polished surface, then etch prime with ‘iron oxide red’ then spray paint the body. The ocular parts I assume need to be black.
The body needs a colour type RAL 7000 or similar?

should matt paint be used?

Is this feasible, or would this ruin them even more?
Should I walk away?

Thankful for all ideas and thoughts!

Edit: headline should read: “turning back” restoration

[Mikedenmark]

Regarding the RAL coding, you should be aware that the RAL codes were changed after the war. So, when you find an original RAL code number, you should confer that with the old version of the RAL codes.
( The late war tan colour, to name one, will be VERY yellow, if you use old RAL codes with the postwar RAL system)
(( someone here in Denmark painted a whole Pz III tank without knowing the difference. Very restored, and running, but yellow.. VERY Yellow))

In my opinion, it does not make a lot of sense to roughen up surfaces. After all, the paint will be recognizable as new anyway. So, no reason to change the surface texture.

I believe, the correct old RAL codes for navy binoculars are mentioned in the book on the FLAK 10x80 written by LeBreton here on WA.

[Sgt Bilko]

A tricky one! I would buy it if it's cheap enough and would strip off post war crappy paint but it depends on your individual "part restored" how far to go with new paint.

[Lauritz]

Gents, you misunderstod my (badly written) post.
The binoculars had all the old paint removed, and is 'semi' polished.
I am thinking of trying to make them as when they were made, so a red undercoat, then the grey top coat.

Question: Should I do it ( will never be 'Original' only 'restored' ) in your opinions?


If I know the serial number, I can see when approximately it was made I assume. They are the 20 degree version. Only missing part is pne cover for the dissication capsule. No box.

Question: If I know the age, will I be able to get the correct RAL shade?

And the last question: The surface, should it be flat, or what?

On my other optics, the original (?) colours are semi flat, kind of silky.
Should i go for that? My car mechanic has a machine to find out the sheen.

Sorry about those silly questions !
The cost is very attractive, under 2K, but the binos are butt ugly as they are now, so might be interesting to buy and 'restore'.

The tripod I am thinking of very gently remove the rust (on the rusted areas), keeping the chrome intact, then preserving the derusted areas with a clearcoat.