Wasabrot
Well-known member
Hartmann-Optik Wetzlar used a constantly increasing serial number for its binoculars. Since the number does not differ between production lines, the serial numbers for new product line introductions and thus the corresponding manufacturing dates can be identified.
I searched the internet for pictures of Hartmann binoculars and made a list of the serial numbers and the product line.
From the Hartmann history summarized by Gijs van Ginkel we know that the first Leichtmetall Porlerims were made from 1936-1939. This binoculars had two screws per prism chamber cover plate, suggesting they already used the metal wedges to move the prisms for collimation.
After World War II, Hartmann continued production of Leichtmetall Porlerims in 1948, but they were marked with "Made in US-Zone Germany". The lowest number I found was 11500 so I think that below 11k binoculars must
be produced before WW2. The post-war Porlerims had only one centered screw per cover plate and show the typical screws in the body to tilt the prisms for collimation. At about 33k Hartmann switched back to the two screws and thus the metal wedge prism shift collimation system.
Up until about 55k they used an italic font for the serial number and then changed it to non-italic. At around 62k, the Leichtmetall dropped from product name.
In 1961 the Bernina line was introduced. The lowest number I've found on a Bernina is 72226. The first Berninas had eyepieces in the same style as Porlerim (fine knurling).
In 1966 the Compact line was introduced. These compacts also had a new type of eyepiece knurling that was rougher. This style was later used for porlerims and berninas too. First compacts I found where around 121k.
With 1986, Porlerim production was discontinued. The highest Porlerim number I found is 147153.
In 1992 Hartmann closed his workshop. The highest tota number l I've found is 157716.
In the attached files you can find an overview which numbers correspond to which periods as well of about 150 samples I have found.
With help of community I hopefully can refine the list. Maybe someone even knows the exact manufacture date of his/her Hartmann binocular.
I searched the internet for pictures of Hartmann binoculars and made a list of the serial numbers and the product line.
From the Hartmann history summarized by Gijs van Ginkel we know that the first Leichtmetall Porlerims were made from 1936-1939. This binoculars had two screws per prism chamber cover plate, suggesting they already used the metal wedges to move the prisms for collimation.
After World War II, Hartmann continued production of Leichtmetall Porlerims in 1948, but they were marked with "Made in US-Zone Germany". The lowest number I found was 11500 so I think that below 11k binoculars must
be produced before WW2. The post-war Porlerims had only one centered screw per cover plate and show the typical screws in the body to tilt the prisms for collimation. At about 33k Hartmann switched back to the two screws and thus the metal wedge prism shift collimation system.
Up until about 55k they used an italic font for the serial number and then changed it to non-italic. At around 62k, the Leichtmetall dropped from product name.
In 1961 the Bernina line was introduced. The lowest number I've found on a Bernina is 72226. The first Berninas had eyepieces in the same style as Porlerim (fine knurling).
In 1966 the Compact line was introduced. These compacts also had a new type of eyepiece knurling that was rougher. This style was later used for porlerims and berninas too. First compacts I found where around 121k.
With 1986, Porlerim production was discontinued. The highest Porlerim number I found is 147153.
In 1992 Hartmann closed his workshop. The highest tota number l I've found is 157716.
In the attached files you can find an overview which numbers correspond to which periods as well of about 150 samples I have found.
With help of community I hopefully can refine the list. Maybe someone even knows the exact manufacture date of his/her Hartmann binocular.
