WW1 German Navy Officer of the Watch Telescope

Voigtländer & Sohn AG, Braunschweig – No. M1177, circa 1914

This authentic First World War German Navy Officer of the Watch telescope is a striking example of early 20th-century naval optics, produced by the renowned optical specialists Voigtländer & Sohn AG. Issued for service aboard German warships, telescopes of this type were an essential tool for officers keeping vigilant watch over hostile seas during a time of global conflict.

Crafted as a single-draw refractor, the telescope combines silvered nickel fittings with a leather-clad primary barrel, now displaying an attractive, time-worn patina that speaks to its age and service. The nickel surfaces retain bright, reflective tones, softened by light tarnish consistent with over a century of history.

The recessed 32mm objective lens remains clear and bright, designed to offer protection while delivering reliable performance at sea. The flared eyecup, complete with a swivel dust cover, features a finely executed concentric ring finish—an elegant detail reflecting Voigtländer’s precision craftsmanship. The draw tube is crisply engraved with the maker’s name, Voigtländer & Sohn A.G., along with the town of Braunschweig.

Presented in excellent aged condition, this telescope is a rare and fascinating survivor from the German Imperial Navy, embodying both the technical excellence and maritime heritage of the era.

Dimensions:

• Closed length: 43.5 cm

• Fully drawn length: 64.5 cm

• Objective lens diameter: 32 mm

• Price £495.00 inclusive of shipping to within the UK

________________________________________

You can find more items of interest and purchase through our website, using all major credit cards:

please visit: www.oliversargentantiques.com

Physical Dimensions

Height

43.5cm (17.13")

Width

64.5cm (25.39")

Depth

3.2cm (1.26")

Declaration

Oliver Sargent Antiques has dated this German Naval Brass Telescope to the 1910s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1189386

Dealers Internal Reference

OSA1555

Description

WW1 German Navy Officer of the Watch Telescope

Voigtländer & Sohn AG, Braunschweig – No. M1177, circa 1914

“

This authentic First World War German Navy Officer of the Watch telescope is a striking example of early 20th-century naval optics, produced by the renowned optical specialists Voigtländer & Sohn AG.

Oliver Sargent Antiques

Issued for service aboard German warships, telescopes of this type were an essential tool for officers keeping vigilant watch over hostile seas during a time of global conflict.

fig 1. An antique brass single-draw naval telescope wrapped in textured black leather with official markings engraved near the eyepiece. — fig 1. Ww1 German Navy Officer of the Watch Telescope voigtländer & Sohn Ag, Braunschweig – No. M1177, Circa 1914

Crafted as a single-draw refractor, the telescope combines silvered nickel fittings with a leather-clad primary barrel, now displaying an attractive, time-worn patina that speaks to its age and service. The nickel surfaces retain bright, reflective tones, softened by light tarnish consistent with over a century of history.

fig 2. An antique brass single-draw naval telescope wrapped in textured black leather with official markings engraved near the eyepiece. — fig 2. Ww1 German Navy Officer of the Watch Telescope voigtländer & Sohn Ag, Braunschweig – No. M1177, Circa 1914

The recessed 32mm objective lens remains clear and bright, designed to offer protection while delivering reliable performance at sea. The flared eyecup, complete with a swivel dust cover, features a finely executed concentric ring finish—an elegant detail reflecting Voigtländer’s precision craftsmanship. The draw tube is crisply engraved with the maker’s name, Voigtländer & Sohn A.G., along with the town of Braunschweig.

fig 3. An antique brass single-draw naval telescope wrapped in textured black leather with official markings engraved near the eyepiece. — fig 3. Ww1 German Navy Officer of the Watch Telescope voigtländer & Sohn Ag, Braunschweig – No. M1177, Circa 1914

Presented in excellent aged condition, this telescope is a rare and fascinating survivor from the German Imperial Navy, embodying both the technical excellence and maritime heritage of the era.

Dimensions:

fig 4. An antique brass single-draw naval telescope wrapped in textured black leather with official markings engraved near the eyepiece. — fig 4. Ww1 German Navy Officer of the Watch Telescope voigtländer & Sohn Ag, Braunschweig – No. M1177, Circa 1914

• Closed length: 43.5 cm

• Fully drawn length: 64.5 cm

• Objective lens diameter: 32 mm

• Price £495.00 inclusive of shipping to within the UK

________________________________________

You can find more items of interest and purchase through our website, using all major credit cards:

please visit: www.oliversargentantiques.com

Physical Dimensions

Height

43.5cm (17.13")

Width

64.5cm (25.39")

Depth

3.2cm (1.26")

Date of Manufacture

Oliver Sargent Antiques has dated this German Naval Brass Telescope to the 1910s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1189386

Dealers Internal Ref

OSA1555

About the Dealer

Oliver Sargent Antiques

Sellingantiques verified Since Jul 2013

Specialists in vintage military watches & clocks and antique oriental ceramics & works of art

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Oliver Sargent Antiques Profile Page

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An antique brass single-draw naval telescope wrapped in textured black leather with official markings engraved near the eyepiece.

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Archive I

WW1 German Navy Officer of the Watch Telescope Voigtländer & Sohn AG, Braunschweig – No. M1177, circa 1914

Archive II

An antique brass single-draw naval telescope wrapped in textured black leather with official markings engraved near the eyepiece. View II

Archive III

An antique brass single-draw naval telescope wrapped in textured black leather with official markings engraved near the eyepiece. View III

Archive IV

An antique brass single-draw naval telescope wrapped in textured black leather with official markings engraved near the eyepiece. View IV

Archive V

An antique brass single-draw naval telescope wrapped in textured black leather with official markings engraved near the eyepiece. View V

Archive VI

An antique brass single-draw naval telescope wrapped in textured black leather with official markings engraved near the eyepiece. View VI

Archive VII

An antique brass single-draw naval telescope wrapped in textured black leather with official markings engraved near the eyepiece. View VII

Archive VIII

An antique brass single-draw naval telescope wrapped in textured black leather with official markings engraved near the eyepiece. View VIII

Archive IX

An antique brass single-draw naval telescope wrapped in textured black leather with official markings engraved near the eyepiece. View IX

Archive X

An antique brass single-draw naval telescope wrapped in textured black leather with official markings engraved near the eyepiece. View X

Archive XI

An antique brass single-draw naval telescope wrapped in textured black leather with official markings engraved near the eyepiece. View XI

Archive XII

An antique brass single-draw naval telescope wrapped in textured black leather with official markings engraved near the eyepiece. View XII

Archive XIII

An antique brass single-draw naval telescope wrapped in textured black leather with official markings engraved near the eyepiece. View XIII

Archive XIV

An antique brass single-draw naval telescope wrapped in textured black leather with official markings engraved near the eyepiece. View XIV

Archive XV

An antique brass single-draw naval telescope wrapped in textured black leather with official markings engraved near the eyepiece. View XV

Archive XVI

An antique brass single-draw naval telescope wrapped in textured black leather with official markings engraved near the eyepiece. View XVI

An Officer of the Watch telescope is a single-draw optical scope specifically designed for rapid deployment and clear magnification on naval vessels during watch duties.

These instruments were predominantly built using brass for key mechanical and optical housings, combined with textured leather or vulcanite barrel coverings to ensure a firm grip in wet marine environments.

Authentic naval telescopes typically display maker stamps, serial numbers, military acceptance symbols such as crowns or broad arrows, and evidence of hand-fitted brass components.

A naval telescope functions well as a decorative desk accent, styled horizontally on custom brass brackets on an office desk, mantelpiece, or bookshelf alongside leather-bound volumes.

Glass elements should be dusted gently with a soft optical microfiber cloth, while brass surfaces ought to remain unpolished to maintain historic patina, and leather coverings should be dressed sparingly with neutral leather balm.

Oliver Sargent Antiques

Ww1 German Navy Officer of the Watch Telescope voigtländer & Sohn Ag, Braunschweig – No. M1177, Circa 1914

Oliver Sargent Antiques

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Oliver Sargent Antiques

Ww1 German Navy Officer of the Watch Telescope voigtländer & Sohn Ag, Braunschweig – No. M1177, Circa 1914

Oliver Sargent Antiques

Strictly Vetted Dealers

Secure Transit

The Sustainable Choice

FAQs

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