Leitz Trinovid 10x40 : No markings? (1 Viewer)

[Steve S.]

I am wondering how common this is. On the left barrel around the ocular, where the binocular should be designated 10x40 122m / 1000m or 110m / 1000m, there are no markings at all. Similarly on the right barrel where one should see a red dot and "Germany" there is also nothing. I think these are relatively early as they use the lug and pin attachment for the strap. I have seen one other example on an auction website here :

Vtg Leitz Wetzlar Trinovid Binoculars Unmarked 10 x 40 ? 8 x 32? Eddie Chiles | #4545783907

Please scroll down for more photosVintage Leitz Trinovid Binoculars Fresh from the Eddie Chiles estate comes this pair of binoculars by Leitz. This pair is unmarked in regards to magnification but the

www.worthpoint.com

Has anyone else seen this? There is no sign of anything having been worn away.

 

[Thotmosis]

The metal rings with the information you describe are missing. They are easy to remove.

EDIT: see below

 

[Steve S.]

The metal rings with the information you describe are missing. They are easy to remove. EDIT: see below View attachment 1636447 Ah I see. Thank you. That explains it. Why would anyone do this I wonder. Eye Relief? ​

 

[Thotmosis]

Ah I see. Thank you. That explains it. Why would anyone do this I wonder. Eye Relief?​

No idea why the rings are missing and if it is on purpose. Maybe in time the rings got lost or the binoculars are stolen and they want to get rid of the serial number. Who knows. It has no effect on the eye relief.

 

[Patudo]

How do they compare to your 10x40 Dialyt?

 

[Steve S.]

Best person to advise re whether service is possible/worthwhile is Gary Hawkins at East Coast Binocular Repairs.

The metal rings with the information you describe are missing. They are easy to remove.

EDIT: see below

How do they compare to your 10x40 Dialyt?

The Dialyt seems to give a sharper and wider view so is preferable. However I'm not sure that it is a fair comparison as the right eyepiece on the Leitz is scratched, has some scuff marks and overall looks to be in need of a service as they are just very slightly out of collimation. Not to a degree to cause discomfort though. That aside compared to the Dialyts there seems to be a more pronounced tunnel vision effect. On the positive side the Leitz are smaller and lighter

 

[mwhogue]

Ah I see. Thank you. That explains it. Why would anyone do this I wonder. Eye Relief?​

No idea why the rings are missing and if it is on purpose. Maybe in time the rings got lost or the binoculars are stolen and they want to get rid of the serial number. Who knows. It has no effect on the eye relief.

Guys,

Below is a pic of a 7x35 Leica Retrovid in the center flanked on the left by a Leitz 7x35 and on the right by a Leitz 8x40. Both Leitz models are on long term loan from a good friend and fellow BF member.

As shown in the photo the eyecup on the right barrel of the 8x40 is a replacement and the outer metal ring with the magnification / FOV specs is missing. The left barrel does have both the original eyecup and the metal ring with the red dot and serial number. So the ring was either damaged, lost or discarded in the process as Thotmosis suggests . Neither the replacement eyecup nor the missing ring adversely impact performance.

Mike

 

[Thotmosis]

Guys,

Below is a pic of a 7x35 Leica Retrovid in the center flanked on the left by a Leitz 7x35 and on the right by a Leitz 8x40. Both Leitz models are on long term loan from a good friend and fellow BF member.

As shown in the photo the eyecup on the right barrel of the 8x40 is a replacement and the outer metal ring with the magnification / FOV specs is missing. The left barrel does have both the original eyecup and the metal ring with the red dot and serial number. So the ring was either damaged, lost or discarded in the process as Thotmosis suggests . Neither the replacement eyecup nor the missing ring adversely impact performance.

MikeView attachment 1637905

Gorgeous setup Mike!

 

[bibbt]

I am wondering how common this is. On the left barrel around the ocular, where the binocular should be designated 10x40 122m / 1000m or 110m / 1000m, there are no markings at all. Similarly on the right barrel where one should see a red dot and "Germany" there is also nothing. I think these are relatively early as they use the lug and pin attachment for the strap. I have seen one other example on an auction website here :

Vtg Leitz Wetzlar Trinovid Binoculars Unmarked 10 x 40 ? 8 x 32? Eddie Chiles | #4545783907

Please scroll down for more photosVintage Leitz Trinovid Binoculars Fresh from the Eddie Chiles estate comes this pair of binoculars by Leitz. This pair is unmarked in regards to magnification but the

www.worthpoint.com

Has anyone else seen this? There is no sign of anything having been worn away.View attachment 1636395View attachment 1636396View attachment 1636397View attachment 1636398

 

[bibbt]

So I have a pretty good collection of these old Trinovid binoculars and I see this issue with the missing trim rings all the time. When I first started collecting them I bought a few sets off eBay that were missing either one or both rings until I realized that the seller was probably covering their behind since they might be stolen. I won't buy a Trinovid missing the ser# ring anymore.

 

[NDhunter]

I posted this a while ago. The trim rings are very important, they should be on every
Leitz. Older and newer Leitz, Leica models.
Jerry

 

[Steve S.]

So I have a pretty good collection of these old Trinovid binoculars and I see this issue with the missing trim rings all the time. When I first started collecting them I bought a few sets off eBay that were missing either one or both rings until I realized that the seller was probably covering their behind since they might be stolen. I won't buy a Trinovid missing the ser# ring anymore.

I can see that it would be an easy way to anonymise stolen goods and it is therefore preferable to avoid them where possible. However I cannot believe that it must be entirely the case. The example in my possession came from a house clearance which included a large collection of vintage binoculars. Also in my original post there was reference to a set owned by a Texan oil millionaire. I quote: " Included is a leather soft case with a zipper closure and Mr. Chiles' initials on the bag ( Harrell Edmonds Chiles). If you don't know about Eddie Chiles, he was one of those colorful Texas characters that was an Oil baron and owned the Texas Rangers at one time. Please see pictures below. All photos are of actual item offered." Did he need to resort to stolen kit? That is of course assuming that the binocular as well as the bag belonged to Mr Chiles.

 

[Patudo]

Maybe their previous owners requested they be removed to add to the mysterious aura of the LEICAMAN?

The LEICAMAN needs not worry about piffling considerations like magnification, objective lens diameter or field of view. He just puts the beautifully built and packaged binocular to his eyes and sees.