UPDATED TABLE OF CHANGES BY SERIAL NUMBER
I had time yesterday to update the table of changes by serial number to version 2 Trinovid binoculars. I’ve gone through my observations in detail to confirm their accuracy. There’s now sufficient information to date a unit by it’s serial number to within three years or less.
I’ve also attached a slightly modified version of the introductory table, to help those who are not Leitz aficionados easily recognise the various v2 Trinovid models and changes.
With both tables, I’ve assumed the primacy of Gary Hawkins’ data about introductions and changes (from post #2 by Gijs).
Needless to say, my list by serial number of when the changes occurred, reflects the limitations of what I’ve observed - verses factory data about production changes, which I believe Gary had access to.
Having said that, there are two striking discrepancies between Gary’s information and what I’ve observed:
- it’s clear that there was a second production run of 6x24’s following their original 1965 discontinuation, and;
- production of 7x35 B’s did not stop in 1984, but recommenced then.
I’ve both restated the reasons in relation to the 6x24’s (together with more information from this thread), and explained my conclusions regarding the 7x35 B’s below.
I’ve also provided some observations about the information in the serial number table.
INITIAL PRODUCTION
The earliest observed numbers for the first 3 models are:
- 8x32 - 626k;
- 10x40 - 630k;
- 6x24 - 631k.
6x24 PRODUCTION
6x24 production was initially to 651k (which corresponds to 1965). And although Gary indicates that production ceased in 1965, it’s clear that there was at least one production run after that time. Additional observed production is from 710k to 711k (which dates to 1968 or 1969), and the new production was the subject of a 1967 Leitz advert cited in my previous post.
(and also see posts #23 and #28 in this thread for references to a 710k, 712k and 775k! unit - the last would date to 1972-1973, and indicate a third production run)
By observation, it’s clear that 6x24 production was far more limited than that of the 8x32 and 10x40 models, with the 8x32 being most frequently observed.
While Gary indicates that the production to 1965 may have been as few as 500 units, it’s apparent by the spread of serial numbers from 631k to 651k that production was not in one batch (and of course the 8x32 and 10x40 units were also numbered in this range).
Small scale production of the 6x24 would have been easy, as all three models appear to use the same eyepiece unit and vary magnification by changing the length of the objective housing.
7x35 B PRODUCTION
As I’ve previously indicated, the very first units are marked ‘7x35’ but are also marked with the 150 m/ 1000 m FOV of the 7x35 B configuration
i.e. although it’s been speculated about on several occasions, there’s no indication that optically a 7x35 version briefly preceded the 7x35 B one.
Although Gary indicates a break in production starting in 1984, the initial numbering I’ve observed only goes to 780k which would date to 1972 or 1973. Production then resumes by 901k - which would be around 1984. So again a discrepancy.
RUBBER ARMOURED UNITS
The earliest observed RA units in Green and Black respectively, are:
- 8x40 B - 867k/ ???k;
- 10x40 B - 868k/ 945k;
- 7x42 B - 874k/ 887k;
- 7x35 B - ???k/ 907k;
- 8x32 B - 935k/ 944k.
As I’ve only observed a relatively small number of units, the numbering is necessarily somewhat ‘rubbery’ ( . . . I just couldn’t resist!).
TOTAL PRODUCTION
The span of the observed number range is from 626,312 to 990,375, which indicates a potential maximum production of around 364,000 units.
However, this assumes:
- the accuracy of the start and end points;
- and far more significantly, that all the numbers in the range were both assigned and then resulted in a finished unit leaving the factory.
So a rounded maximum figure of 350k (i.e. 96% of the maximum range) is perhaps close but slightly generous.
I hope the above is both informative and useful.
If anyone has a v2 Trinovid, could you please check it’s features and serial number against the table, and if that shows information that can help clarify the data please contribute. It should be easily possible to refine the numbering differences between the ‘Not Observed’ and ‘First Observed From’ categories.
As a final note, while the serial number table should address the vast majority of v2 Trinovid production, I would be surprised if there are not limited production rarities and other ‘anomalies’ that don’t precisely fit the basic patterns on the table.
John