A Zeiss Rework? WWI Voigtlander 7x50 with Reichmarine markings

[Mikedenmark]

Super interesting rework of a WWI Navy Voigtlander 7x50 binoculars.
it has been marked with a Reichwehr Navy eagle.
4428N and also marked: WSA Kiel It may mean Wasserstrassen u. SchifffahrtsAmt Kiel.

In that case, this bino was still used in 1989, as the agency only existed after 1989.


Apart from Zeiss, who else could have made this?

https://www.ebay.de/itm/Fernglas-WK-...YAAOSw5VdetrDI

Not so interesting is the price asked.

[Sgt Bilko]

Interesting indeed but wasn't it founded in 1949?

[Mikedenmark]

Their homepage state 1880 something. But the WSA name was only used after 1989.
But then again, such a brief agency history may omit details.


But, if much earlier, it is odd the WSA "owner" marking does not also include an issue number.

[Sgt Bilko]

Maybe I'm wrong as I don't sprachen de Deutsch much but this page mentions 1949;

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wasser..._Kiel-Holtenau


Aufsichtsbehörde Generaldirektion Wasserstraßen und Schifffahrt
Gründung 1949

Regardless, it's surprising it was still in use in 49 or 89 when there must have been many more robust and coated optics still around from WW2. Maybe someone in the organisation wanted to use their old navy glass for old times sake?

[Mikedenmark]

You are right, I was not carefull enough, when I read it.
This is their own version of their history. Which I did not read properly.

https://www.wsa-kiel.wsv.de/Webs/WSA...chte_node.html

Here is something that looks more right.
Scroll down to: Abt 548.3
Seems it got the name in 1921. Fits a whole lot better with the markings on this binocular.
If correct, then the marking WSA should mean WasserStrassenAmt.

https://bestaendeuebersicht.schleswi...%20seit%201871

Incidently, this is also where one would find their inventories.
But, please note the last line: 92lfm. 92 laufende metern. Meaning that part of the archive fills 92 meter of shelf space. Lots of paper.


It seems the agency/office was responsible for some of the traffic on the Canal. Including Pilot services.

So, very likely, it being a national agency, not a local one, their bino´s would be navy marked. I will try and see if I can find photo´s of the pilots.
http://www.apt-holtenau.de/holtenau-...ory/lotsen.htm

(PS I like the bottom story. At the opening of the Kieler Canal, the emperors yacht was first through, during the trip, the emperor insisted on steering his yacht himself. As the pilot saw the ship weering off, he gripped the steering wheel out of Wilhelms hands and corrected the course. Everybody waiting for the explosion, but the Emperor asked someone to note the name of the pilot. Later, the pilot was called to the admiral responsible for the Canal, and awarded a medal from the emperor.)
Use google translate to read it your self.


They did have optic instruments:
https://www.dithmarschen-wiki.de/ima...us-ca.1908.jpg
The size of it suggest official issue.