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WOLLENSAK HISTORY - BINOCULARS & OPTICS

by

Robin Leech, PhD, PBiol.

[releech@telus.net]

ABSTRACT

The Wollensak Optical Company started in Rochester, New York, in 1899, long after Bausch &

Lomb was established there in 1853. Starting in 1901, the Wollensak Optical Company made

precision camera lenses with iris shutters for large format cameras. Wollensak made many

hundreds of different lenses and optical equipment up to the mid-1950s when the Company was

purchased by Revere Camera Company. In turn Revere was purchased by 3M and closed in

1972. Anson Instruments purchased Wollensak in 1974, finally ceasing in 2001 when its

president, Rudolph Novak, died. In 2003, Surplus Shed purchased all Wollensak parts.

The Wollensak Optical Company made such diverse things as lenses for stereo 35 mm cameras,

and lenses for projectors. In 1920, the Company started making a series of different Galilean

field glasses, 6X23 Biascopes, 4X33 Commander and 4X33 Rambler. Made before and after

WWII were Allscopes of 2X25 and 3.5X25. These were replaced by a 3X25 Allscope with

WOLCOTE (MgF2 lens coating) as early as 1951. Allscopes are worn much like a pair of

glasses.

A patent for the Wollensak Porro-prismType I was filed on 16 January 1936, with the

Publication Date of 11 May 1937 (Publication # US2079890 A). The Company started making

the Porro-prism Type I binocular, the Wollensak 6X30. During WWII, these binoculars were

given the military designation of Wollensak 6X30 M5. The serial numbers of the Wollensak

6X30 binoculars are continuous from pre-WWII in 1937, through WWII, and through post-

WWII till production ceased in the early1950s. In the early 1950s, Wollensak contracted with a

German company to make 6X30 CF, 8X30 CF and 8X40 CF Porro-prism Type I, models called

Wollensak Escort. The Escort 6X30 serial numbers appear to be continuous with Wollensak’s.

Most if not all of the 40,000 Wollensak 6X30 M5 binoculars made were issued to the

Commonwealth Countries (especially UK and Australia) through the Lend-Lease Act of March

1941. This was established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. If even half of these binoculars

reached their intended destination is a moot point. Again, most but apparently not all, of these

binoculars were issued with a reticle in the right eye column. The right eye column was the

norm for Commonwealth Countries (the norm was the left eye column for US military

binoculars). The U.S.-made reticle has 9 vertical lines (= stadia). The information reads:

“GRATICULE ½ ͦAPART AND ¼ ͦ, ½ ͦ AND 1 ͦ HIGH”. The U.S., U.K., and Australian

imprints or markings on 6X30 binoculars are interpreted and defined.

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Post-WWII, as early as 1946, all of Wollensak’s 6X30 IF and 8X30 CF, 4X33 Ramblers as well

as 6X and 8X monoculars (right and left prism columns, both of which are Porro-prism Type I)

had WOCOTE lens coating (MgF2) (Vintage Magazine 1946; Advertisement, Wholesale Photo

Supply Co., Chicago, 1951). A number of Wollensak 6X30 M5 binoculars have come up for

sale in Holland and Italy on E-Bay. It is likely that these binoculars are ones that were issued to

UK troops during WWII, but most likely are post-battle field pickups, or ones given away at the

end of WWII. Wollensak contracted with a German company in the early 1950s, most likely the

Willy Krombach Optische Werke, Wetzlar, to make 6X30, 8X30 and 8X40, all CF, and Porro-

prism Type 1.

INTRODUCTION

MATERIALS AND METHODS

I have found much information through Google, using an assortment of key words, or the same

key words a week later where new information was given. I use E-bay for locating items (e.g.,

Wollensak Biascopes, Rambler, 6X30 and 6X30 M5 binoculars). The Binocular List server

made by Peter Abrahams has put me into contact with owners of 6X30 M5 binoculars from

Europe to Australia to North America. These sources have incredible and special information. I

have photocopies of sales ads from newspapers and magazines if anyone wants to see them.

Other sources are those with whom I worked while writing the papers on Canadian-made

binoculars.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE WOLLENSAK OPTICAL COMPANY

The Wollensak Optical Company was started in 1899 by Andrew Wollensak, who had been a

machinist with Bausch & Lomb. Andrew had helped Edward Bausch with the design of the iris

diaphragm shutter in 1890. In 1899, Andrew left Bausch & Lomb, and with his brother John, set

up a new company. Financial backing came from Stephen Rauber, a former president of the

Union Brewing Company. The original company was named Rauber and Wollensak. When

Rauber died in 1901, the company name changed to Wollensak Optical Company. By 1902,

Wollensak was producing lenses and iris shutters at reasonable prices. In 1905, Wollensak

purchased the Rochester Lens Company which made the popular “Royal” anastigmat lens. In

1909, Andrew Wollensak designed the famous “Optimo” shutter, which was widely sold until

1930 (ended with the Great Depression?).

In 1936, Andrew Wollensak died. He had been president since the company was founded.

Within a year of Andrew’s death, Wollensak Optical Company had obtained the patent to build

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Porro-prism Type I binoculars (Publication # US2079890 A, filed date, 16 January 1936,

publication date, 11 May 1937).

[Compare this with the Bausch & Lomb history: B&L had obtained permission to make Porro-

prism Type I binoculars in 1890, as B&L was licensed through Carl Zeiss patents, with this

exchange giving Zeiss exclusive rights to the U.S. market, and ultimately to the first prism

binoculars. These were the first Zeiss prism binoculars, which also went out in North America

under the Bausch & Lomb name plate. Many of these early prism binoculars had both Zeiss and

B&L names on the prism plates. (Source: see Link to “The Bausch & Lomb History”). This was

a 47 year lead over Wollensak for the production of prism binoculars (1890 to 1937)]

HISTORY OF WOLLENSAK PRODUCTS

Thousands of different lenses and pieces of optical equipment (see Google: Wollensak Optical, a

Surplus Shed Company) were made by the Wollensak Optical Company, including the following

examples (Figs 1 and 2). In 1954, even the Polaroid Pathfinder “110” had a Wollensak Rapax

Synchromatic, which is an f 4.5 lens.

Fig. 1. A selection of Wollensak large-format camera lenses.

The lenses are coated (1939 or later). Photo: Tom Leech.

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Fig. 2. Wollensak 6.25 inch, f 12.5, Extreme W.A. Note that

the lens is coated. This lens is among the favorites of those

who use large-format cameras, especially 4X5 Speed Graphic.

Photo: Tom Leech.

Below is a partial list of the various optical items made by Wollensak. As there were some 1200

employees in the Wollensak Optical Company, it is most likely that this vast assortment was

being made continuously:

- Large format cameras (4X5, 8X10 and larger); larger lenses with iris shutters;

- Galilean and prismatic binoculars;

- Movie cameras and lenses;

- 2 ¼ X 2 ¼ format camera lenses;

- 35 mm stereo camera lenses;

- Lenses especially for Speed Graphic cameras (4X5 inches);

- Telescopes; and,

- Microscopes for students: 150X and 425X.

WOLLENSAK GALILEAN FIELD GLASSES

Wollensak Optical Company’s first ventures into binocular-type optical equipment were with

Galilean Field Glasses (i.e., no prisms). There were at least 5 varieties, all Biascope models, but

each distinct [e.g., made of brass, Bakelite, different Fields of View (FoV and different Inter-

Pupillary Distance (IPD), lever vs wheel focussing]. The first ones appeared in 1920, and were

still being advertised for sale up to 1939. Most have bodies made partly of brass, and finished

with black paint (Figs 3, 4). One is made of Bakelite. All have a very narrow FoV (Figs 5, 6) by

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today’s prism binocular standards. All are 6X23, more or less flat (except for Model B), and

with fixed but different IPD (e.g., 58 mm and 63.5 mm) (Figs 8, 9). The W.F. 63.5 has the

widest FoV of all the Biascopes. The IPD of Model B extends from 58 to 70 mm. All models

have uncoated lenses. A sliding lever adjusts the focussing (Figs 5. 6. 7 and 8), except for Model

B, which had a focussing wheel (Figs 3, 4). They are small, 8 cm high x 9 cm wide. Weight is

140 g (5 oz.) for the Bakelite model; 220 g (8 oz.) for the W.F. 63.5 model; and 250 g (9 oz.) for

Model B. Suggested uses were for opera and hunting.

Fig. 3. Wollensak Biascope “B”, the only one of the Biascopes

with a knurled wheel for focussing. The others have a lever for

focussing. The Biascope “B” is unique among the Biascopes as

it is hinged, permitting the IPD to be changed from 58 – 70 mm.

Photo: Robin Leech.

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Fig. 4. A close-up photo of the focussing wheel for the Biascope

Model “B”. All of the Biascopes are 6X23. The adjusting hinges

for the IPD show clearly. Note the chromed adjusting arms for

changing the focus internally. All the other Biascopes move the

entire eyepieces externally. Photo: Robin Leech.

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Fig. 5. Wollensak Biascope Model E. Note the focussing

lever. These binoculars are made of bakelite. The lenses

are not coated. 6X23. Photo: Robin Leech.

Fig. 6. Wollensak Biascope Model E, 6X23. Close-up of the

dial plate and focussing lever. Photo: Robin Leech.

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Fig. 7. Wollensak Biascope Model 63.5 W.A. 6X23. Body is

brass with black paint. Photo: Robin Leech

Fig. 8. Wollensak Biascope Model 63.5 W.A. 6X23. Close-up

of the dial plate and focussing lever. Photo: Robin Leech

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Fig. 9. Wollensak Biascope with 6X power and 58 mm IPD.

The focussing lever on the left is set at the midpoint between

the (+) and the (-). Biascope field glasses were not given serial

numbers. Photo: Robin Leech.

RAMBLER FIELD GLASSES, 4X33

The Rambler 4X Travel is the 5th

of the Wollensak Galilean Field Glasses, and at 4X33, are very

different from the Biascopes. The Rambler first came out in 1933 with the name plate “Biascope

Commander” and uncoated lenses. An advertisement by N. Shure Co., Chicago, dated 1933, has

an item labelled “Biascope Commander”, 4X, which looks identical to the Rambler (Fig. 10). I

suggest it is possible that the Wollensak Commander was the first of this model, and that in short

order it was renamed “Rambler”, or, that it did not reach production, a possibility suggested by

Peter Abrahams, email, 15 July 2015).

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Fig. 10. Early, pre-WWII version (upper) of the Rambler 4X33

with the script, Rambler, and with uncoated lenses, and the

post-WWII 4X33 version of the RAMBLER, with purplish-

coated lenses (lower)(MgF2). Photo: Robin Leech

The Commander and the Rambler are both 4X33 (though the advertisement for the Commander

reads 35 mm objective), thus very different from the other Biascopes which are 6X23. I do not

think the Biascopes and Rambler models were made during WWII. Those Ramblers made pre-

WWII have uncoated lenses (upper in Fig. 10), whereas those made post-WWII (during the late

40s and early 50s) have coated optics (lower, Fig. 10) with obvious purple MgF2 coatings, at

least on all external lens surfaces. These were for sale until 1952 (Wollensak magazine

advertisement). There is a fixed IPD and CF. Weight is 240 g (8.75 oz). Only one body

version was made. The pre-WWII has “Rambler” in a script (upper in Fig. 10), whereas the

post-WWII has regular “RAMBLER” on the ocular bridge (lower in Fig. 10). The pre-WWII

pigskin leather case has 2 snap buttons for the closing flap; the post-WWII case has one central

snap button.

ALLSCOPE FIELD GLASSES (2X25, 3X25 and 3.5X25)

The Allscopes, Model A @ 2X25, and Model B @ 3.5X25, were designed to be used at sporting

events and operas. It appears that the 3.5X25 model was changed to a 3X25 model in the late

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1940s or early 1950s with the suggestion that it can be used for hunting. They are Galilean Field

Glasses, and are fitted on the user’s face with arms securing to the ears, just as with regular

glasses. To quote, “…rests on your nose like sunglasses, leaving your hands free.” They have a

nose bridge and nose pads. I have not found out how long they were manufactured, but most

likely from 1930-39, and definitely in 1938, and again in the late 1940s or early 1950s (51-54)

for Models A and B. The pre-WWII lenses are not coated, but the post-WWII by 1946 lenses

were coated with WOCOTE. As a point of interest, I mention that WOCOTE and BALCOTE

are the same lens coating material – MgF2, or Magnesium Fluoride.

All of the Allscopes have a variable IPD, and focus is IF (Fig. 11a knurled ring and diopter

adjustment ring). A 3X25 Allscope appeared about 1953 (Fig. 11a&b,12); it has coated optics,

and as near as I can tell is a replacement for both Models A & B. The Hadco 3X “Sport Ocular”

advertised and sold in 1954 is CF and Galilean, and most likely with coated optics.

Fig. 11a. Top view of the Wollensak Allscope 3X. The diopter adjustment

is set at 0. Note the knurled ring next to the row of white dots for each eye.

This is for IPD adjustment for each eye relative to the nose bridge – simple

but very effective. Photo: Robin Leech.

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Fig. 11b. Objective end view of the Wollensak Allscope 3X25. The lenses are

coated. Part of the knurled IPD ring can be seen on the left tube next to the

nose bridge. It is resting on a black cowhide leather case with Wollensak on

the flap. Photo: Robin Leech

Fig. 12. Ocular end view of the Wollensak Allscope 3X25. The binocular arms fold up

next to the oculars and fit snugly into the factory leather case. Photo: Robin Leech.

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WOLLENSAK 6X30 PORRO-PRISM TYPE I BINOCULARS

Discussion and Patent Application

This is the Patent Application (date of Filing) and Patent Issue for the Wollensak 6X30 Porro-

prism Type 1 binocular.

PRISM BINOCULAR US 2079890 A

Publication number: US2079890 A

Publication type: Grant

Publication date: 11 May 1937

Filing Date: 16 January 1936

Priority Date: 16 January 1936

Inventors: Wollensak Andrew, Gustav F. Pirwitz

Original Assignee: Wollensak Optical Company

Export Citation: BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan

Referenced by (7), Classifications (5)

External Links: USPTO Assignment, Espacenet.

The Wollensak 6X30 Porro-prism Type 1 assembles and disassembles very differently from any

of the other U.S.-, European- or Japanese-made prism binoculars. Fig. 13 shows one that is

disassembled. Two threaded retainer rings (one on each side) next the ocular and the external

body are all that hold the binoculars together. If the binoculars become dirty or wet, loosening

these two threaded retainer ring allows the binoculars to be taken apart without interfering with

the alignment (i.e., the collimation of the lenses and prisms). This feature alone makes them

unique among prismatic binoculars.

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Fig. 13. The Wollensak 6X30 Porro-prism Type I (military designation M5) binoculars are

not as rugged, waterproof or as durable as are the standard B&L-type binoculars, but they

can be taken apart and repaired in the field. They are much lighter, and they are much

cheaper and faster to make. Photo: Frank Lagorio.

The Wollensak 6X30, IF, civilian version from 1937-1940, has uncoated optics. With the start

of WWII, President Roosevelt made behind-the-scenes arrangements in 1940 to give Great

Britain some of the equipment needed to fight a war (via the Lend-Lease Act) with both

Germany and Japan. In early 1941, the U.S.Army accessed the Wollensak 6x30, and designated

it the M5, IF, Military (1940-1945), with uncoated and coated optics. Weights are various from

505 g (1 lb, 2 oz.) to 540 g (1 lb, 3 oz.); FoV = 7 ͦ 10’ (124.5 m@1000 m; 375 ft@1000 yds);

tan-colored pigskin case with WOLLENSAK printed on the lid.

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Fig. 14. Wollensak 6X30 M5, IF, binoculars. These were issued as

early as 1940, mainly to Britain and Australia. Note the “Coated

Optics” sticker on the right objective cover ring. See text above

and below for more information. Photo: Robin Leech.

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Fig. 15. All markings are U.S., and though this one went to

the U.K., it was not imprinted with UK markings (see text

for the reason). Photo: Robin Leech.

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Fig. 16. Wollensak 6X30, M5, Lend-Lease Act to Australia.

See figure 17 for the Australian imprint. This pair was probably

used in the Papua-New Guinea conflict starting in early 1942.

Photo: Robin Leech.

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Fig. 17. Objective end view of the two prism cover plates. See the text for an

explanation of the Australian imprints. The Serial # is 28,666 (See Table 1,

entry # 11). The original US Army marking of “F.J.A.” is barely visible, right

prism cover, below the Serial #. Photo: Robin Leech.

The reticle, or graticule, used in the Wollensak 6X30 M5 binoculars is one of the simplest and

easy to use of those issued during WWII (Fig. 18 ). It was designed for quick use to give

approximations or estimates. It is not an exact measuring tool. In the following examples, all

measurements are Imperial (i.e., feet, yards), not metric. Consider the following:

Knowing that 1 inch is 1 minute of angle at 100 yards, it follows that a degree represents roughly

5 feet (60 minutes in 1 degree; 60X1=60 inches= 5 feet) at 100 yards. Therefore, a man spotted,

who appears to be a bit taller than the ¼ degree vertical stadium, is approximately 400 yards

away (4X100=400 yards, or 1200 feet). This rule can be used horizontally as well as vertically.

A truck is estimated to be 20 feet long; when viewed through the binoculars, the truck occupies

two of the reticle spacings (= 1 degree), then the truck is 20X60 = 1200 feet, or 400 yards away.

The Wollensak 6X30, IF, post-WWII civilian version, 1945~1954, with coated optics, looks

identical to Fig. 14, and many even have the same “Coated Optics” sticker on the objective cover

ring. About the only ways to distinguish the civilian model from the WWII model are by the

serial # and the presence of a reticle in the military ones. The civilian and military binoculars

were issued with the same tan-colored pigskin case with WOLLENSAK on the lid.

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Fig. 18. The reticule used in the M5 and M6 prismatic

binoculars. The 9 stadia are interpreted as follows:

½ ͦAPART AND ¼ ͦ, ½ ͦ AND 1 ͦ HIGH.

Photo: Frank Lagorio.

The Wollensak 8X30, CF, was a civilian model issued in the late 1940s ~ 1953 (Fig. 19). They

have coated optics, and weight 540 g (1 lb, 3 oz.). They were issued with a black cowhide case.

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Fig. 19. Wollensak 8X30 CF binoculars. This was made for

civilian use, post-WWII. The body of the 8X30 CF is identical

to that of the 6X30 IF. Note the “Coated Optics” sticker on the

right objective lens cover ring. Photo: Robin Leech.

WOLLENSAK 6X30 AND 8X30 MONOCULARS

Wollensak made 6X30 and 8X30 monoculars, using the right & left columns from the

binoculars, as early as 1951~ 1954. The optics are coated (Fig. 20).

They weigh 240 g (8.5 oz.). They were issued with a small, black cowhide snap-button case

with the word “Wollensak” in script on the flap. It appears that no more of the Wollensak

Porro-prism Type I, in 6X30 and the 8x30, as binoculars or monoculars, were made after 1953 or

1954. About this time, Wollensak brought in the German-made Escort in three models (Figs 21,

22, 23), as it appears that Wollensak stopped making its own binoculars.

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Fig. 20. Two Wollensak monoculars: 8X30 and 6X30, resting on

a black leather Wollensak case. Binoculars are far easier to use

than are monoculars. Photo: Robin Leech.

GERMAN-MADE WOLLENSAK ESCORT MODEL BINOCULARS

It is most likely that the three Wollensak Escort binoculars, 6X30, 8X30 and 8X40, were made

by Willy Krombach Optische Werke in Wetzlar, Germany (Klaus Kubetz, email, 26 July 2015).

Wetzlar was located in the American Sector of what used to be West Germany.

Willy Krombach Optik was manufacturing binoculars just after WWII, and included in the ones

made were 6X30. In immediate post-WWII Germany, Wetzlar had been the Mecca for optics in

Germany (Klaus Kubetz, email, 26 July 2015), and that Krombach Optik had close ties with the

Americans.

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Fig. 21. Wollensak Escort 6X30, left prism cover. These

binoculars were made in the early 1950s in the American

Sector of West Germany for Wollensak Optical Company.

Photo: Robin Leech

Fig. 22. German-made Wollensak Escort 6X30, right prism

cover. Access to the prisms is via the ocular and the objective

prism plates. Photo: Robin Leech

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Fig. 23. German-made Wollensak Escort 6X30, Porro-prism

Type 1, objective end hinge plate. Photo: Robin Leech.

There were two other Wollensak Escort models made in Germany for Wollensak. They are the

8X30 CF, and the 8X40 CF, all with coated optics. Other than as images in advertising

brochures, I have not seen the 8X30 CF or the 8X40 CF Escort, and I have not seen any for sale.

From the Google Patents Description, I quote and paraphrase the following text. Paraphrasing is

necessary because of many serious typos in the download (accessed 20 June 2015):

“The invention relates to a prism binocular, and has for its object to afford a simple, economical

and improved construction that facilitates positioning and adjusting of the prisms and optical

systems. The new design makes possible easy access to the prism, prism support and optical

systems by means of a prism-enclosing housing. The housing is removable and positionable

after the prisms and optical systems are permanently located on their support.

“In prior types of construction, the enclosing-housing has been constructed integrally with the

body portion that carries the hinge members, or otherwise arranged, so that it has been necessary

to insert the prisms through one or both ends of the housing, and position and adjust them within

the housing. It has been a particular object of the present invention to remove the objections to

these former structures by using a housing that surrounds and encloses the prisms and optical

systems, and which is not assembled in an operative position until after the prisms and optical

systems are permanently adjusted.

“A further object of the invention is to afford a simple and improved means for adjusting the

prisms on their support in relation to the optical system and retaining them permanently in such

an adjusted position, so as to prevent any inaccuracy in the instrument after continued use.”

The mechanical and physical design, including the assembly, of the Wollensak 6X30 M5, IF,

Military, were new in 1937. The reticule in the Wollensak 6X30 M5 is simple, and is quick and

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easy to use. There are 9 stadia: “GRATICULE ½ ͦ APART AND ¼ ͦ , ½ ͦ AND 1 ͦ HIGH”. The

centre stadium is the longest. The U.S.-made M5 and M6 binoculars have the same reticle, as

they were made for the Lend-Lease Act to go to the UK and the Commonwealth countries. As

WWII started on 1 September 1939, I strongly suspect that US President Franklin D. Roosevelt

had been negotiating with UK’s Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill, long before the U.S. was

fighting in WWII. The Lend-Lease Act of March 1941 legalized what was already happening.

MILITARY DATA FROM THE WOLLENSAK 6X30 M5 BINOCULAR

The data for the Wollensak 6x30 M5 with the lowest serial number I have seen is this:

- Ser. # 2641, and no date of manufacture, but evidence suggests 1941;

- Lenses not coated, no “Coated Optics” sticker, and no reticle;

- Issued under the authority and aegis of Col. Ray L. Bowlin (R.L.B.)

- U.S. Army.

The initials R.L.B., and U.S.Army, appear on Wollensak 6X30 M5 binoculars from about serial

# 2,500 to about serial # 10,000. R.L.B.’s initials also appear on B&L binoculars, so it is

possible that he was switched from Wollensak to B&L, or that initially his authority covered

both Wollensak and B&L binoculars (both factories being in Rochester, New York).

At any rate, F.J.A. (for Col. Frank J. Atwood) initials and U.S. Army appear on all Wollensak

6X30 M5 binoculars with serial numbers from about 10,000 to about 40,000. Somewhere

between serial #s 39,000 to 42,500, these binoculars may or may not have had “F.J.A.” and

“U.S.Army” on the prism plate. I have seen a Wollensak 6X30 M5 prism plate with serial #

39,820 with no F.J.A. or U.S.Army authorization, and another with serial # 41,0xx (numbers

were obscured by damage) but with F.J.A. and U.S.Army authorization.

Colonels Ray L. Bowlin and Frank J. Atwood did not actually check each binocular, but they did

go out under the authorization or “watch” of each. In other words, had there been a problem, the

respective colonel would have been called to answer.

Frank Lagorio (pers. comm.) considers that Wollensak 6X30 M5 serial #s of from 33,960 to

about 40,000 were made between 1943 and 1945. Serial #s higher than that are for commercial

Wollensak binoculars

The main change required to convert a commercial prism binocular to one for military use was to

insert a reticle. A reticle (or in UK speak, a graticule!) is a flat, glass disc. The reticle is usually

made of baryta light flint or spectacle crown glass. Both surfaces are polished to within 2

minutes of arc (Encyclopedia of Army Ordnance Binocular, circa 1944: p.5). In those binoculars

prepared for US military service, the reticle was in the left eye column. For those binoculars

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prepared for British Commonwealth service, the reticle was placed in the right eye column. On

one surface of the flat glass disc, lines and numbers were etched into the glass then filled with an

opaque material to make the etched lines visible.

Some companies, including Bausch & Lomb and Wollensak, were authorized to use a photo-

printed reticle. The lines and numbers were not etched into the glass, but were deposited on the

surface by a photo printing process. This deviation was granted to expedite delivery to users

(Encyclopedia of Army Ordnance Binoculars, circa 1944: p.5). In my collection of Wollensak

6X30 M5 binoculars, I have both etched and photo- printed reticules. The difference is obvious:

the etched reticles were, and still are, sharp and distinct, whereas those lines in the photo-printed

reticle, which were never as sharp and distinct as the lines etched on glass, are now over time

even less distinct and precise – the coloring has flowed from the lines. Also, looking through

glass gives a much sharper viewing than does looking through photo film.

U.S. ORDNANCE HISTORY RELATIVE TO 6X30 BINOCULARS

Funds for developing a waterproof, shockproof, fully military binocular for the interim of 1921

to 1940 were not available. The Ordnance Department realized in 1940 that it would have to

adopt and modify commercial models of binoculars. The commercial tooling and equipment

existed, so commercial models were brought in to meet military delivery requirements. To some

degree, this was a repeat of the situation regarding binocular history for World War I

(Encyclopedia of Army Ordnance Binoculars, Circa 1944: p.5), and also in Canada when the

Korean War broke out (Leech, 2015).

The model selected was the Bausch & Lomb 6X30 commercial model. From B&L, 18,617

binoculars were procured. The initial order was for 2,404 binoculars on 14 March 1940. This

binocular was given the official military designation “Binocular, M3”. This indicated a Standard

Army Issue Model #3 in the “M” series of binoculars (Encyclopedia of Army Ordnance

Binoculars, Circa 1944: p.5). Nash-Kelvinator and Westinghouse also made the M3 binocular.

The significance of the information in the two paragraphs above is that the Wollensak 6X30,

though a commercial model in early1940, had not, as of 14 March 1940, been entered into the

official military designation, where it ultimately became “M5”. By 10 February 1941, before the

Lend-Lease Act was in place, there were incomplete negotiations for 20,000 Wollensak 6X30

binoculars (presumably with a reticle, though I have seen low-serial-numbered M5s with no

reticle). By 14 May 1941, “The U.S. has contracted with Wollensak for 16,000 for us, delivery

in 4 months at 1,000 per month.” (see comments below from Terrence Wayland, information

from the British National Archives). This means that Wollensak had approximately 4 years

between receiving the patent, commercial production, and then military binocular production in

early 1941.

26

By inspection, it is obvious that the serial numbers of the civilian, pre-WWII Wollensak 6X30,

U.S. Military Wollensak 6X30 M5, and the post-WWII Wollensak 6X30 are sequential. The

pre-WWII serial numbers ended about Serial # 2500. The Wollensak 6X30 M5 serial #s start

about 2500, and continue to about serial # 41,000. The post-WWII serial #s are from about

41,000 and up to the end of production (last serial # unknown, but near 49,000 with the

Wollensak Escort binocular made in Germany).

BRITISH PURCHASING COMMISSION AND THE LEND-LEASE ACT OF 1941

In the British National Archives, there are files containing copies of telegrams to and from the

British Purchasing Commission. These relate to the purchase of binoculars from the United

States up to 1942. The following, selected dates and observations by Terence Wayland, are

those which refer to Wollensak.

It has been my contention all along that equipment went from the United States to the UK before

the Lend-Lease Act of March 1941 was a legal agreement. The Lend-Lease Act was proposed in

late 1940, and passed in March 1941. It was the principal means for providing U.S. military aid

to foreign nations during WWII. It authorized the President to transfer arms or any other defence

materials for which Congress appropriated money to “the government of any country whose

defence the President deems vital to the defence of the United States.” By allowing the transfer

of supplies without compensation to Britain and the Commonwealth countries, China, the Soviet

Union and other countries, the Act permitted the United States to support its war interests

without being overextended in battle.

BRITISH NATIONAL ARCHIVES DOCUMENTATION OF THE WOLLENSAK 6X30

M5 BINOCULARS

Though the UK may have received all the documents (see immediately below), many Wollensak

binoculars may have gone straight to Australia, and would have been in service much more

quickly. And, by being sent directly to Australia, shipping of the binoculars would not have

been subject to U-boat sinking going to and from UK. I am citing Terence’s data verbatim

below (Wayland, T., 21&25 March 2015, by email):

The source of the information below is the file CAB 115/185 in the British National Archives. It

contains extracts of cables between the U.K. and the British Purchasing Commission in the

U.S.A. 1940 to 1942. Unfortunately, there are gaps in the records and no details of shipments.

20 February 1941.

“Incomplete Contracts. Wollensak a possible 20,000, if they can provide their own glass.”

27

14 May 1941.

“The U.S. has contracted with Wollensak for 16,000 for us, delivery in 4 months at

1,000 per month.”

22 July 1941.

“Position on Wollensak binoculars ?”

25 July 1941.

“Wollensak, lend lease contract for 16,000 at 1,000 per month from October. A total of

58,682 6X30’s were [was] requisitioned under lend lease, balance after deductions re

Frankford Arsenal and Wollensak is 32,682.”

[R.Leech note: It is possible that, though 58, 682 6X30 Wollensak binoculars were

requisitioned, some were en route to UK on freighters, but were sunk by U-boats, leaving about

40,000 seeing active service. However, I admit that the lack of serial numbers from 45,000 up to

around 58,000 does not support this idea.]

The British Purchasing acted on behalf of all countries in the British Empire (= Commonwealth).

There is no information regarding disposal to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India.

Many of the binocular originating in the U.S.A. and Canada were sent directly to these countries,

and never arrived in the U.K, (Terrence Wayland, email, 21 July 2015). Roger Davis of

Bankstown, NSW, Australia, reported (pers. comm. e-mails, 25 & 31 March 2015) that York

Optical was started by Martin Gertler and Arthur Geddes after WWII, perhaps in 1949.

Martin and Arthur were given the task of holding the impressment records of all optical

equipment seconded by the Defence Forces for WWII. Roger remembers Martin saying that

they used to mark the binoculars upon impressment with the Defence Force Arrows, and that the

arrow being with either one of two tines, dependent upon quality (Roger Davis, Pers. Comm., 31

March 2015, email).

Wollensak made about 40,000 binoculars, designated Wollensak 6X30 M5, for the British

Empire (= Commonwealth countries) between 1941 and 1944 (Binoculars and scopes – U.S.

Militaria Forum, 17 September 2011. Accessed 25 June 2015.) Seeger (1996/2002: 59) dated

the Wollensak 6X30 from 1937 to 1940. I interpret these dates to be civilian dates, and that as of

1941, Wollensak 6X30 became the military Wollensak 6X30 M5. The one Wollensak 6X30 M5

that Seeger shows (1996/2002: p. 59, Fig. 29b) has serial # 6559, U.S. Army and initials R.L.B.

(see discussion in this article, and Table 1 below). Rohan (2001: p.23) also considered that the

Wollensak 6X30 M5 was made from 1941 to 1945.

The New Guinea Campaign of the Pacific started on 23 January 1942, and involved U.S. and

Australian forces against the Japanese Imperial Forces. This was almost a year after the first

negotiations involving the Lend-Lease Act, and about 8 months after possible delivery of

28

binoculars to the Commonwealth countries started. This was plenty of time for the Australians

to receive thousands of Wollensak 6X30 M5 binoculars with the U.S.Army data, including serial

numbers, and for these binoculars to be over-stamped (=over-printed) with Australian markings

(see Table 1 below)..

Note that for Commonwealth Countries the reticule (or graticule as they call it) is in the right eye

column. No one has yet been able to explain to me a satisfactory reason for this difference. As

most soldiers are right-eye dominant, and as most shoot from the right shoulder, putting the

reticle in the right eye makes more sense to me.

Table 1 below shows all the data I have, which I have seen, or which has been sent to me

regarding Wollensak 6X30 M5 binoculars. The Australian Impress or Markings are these:

D/I\D. No2 MKII V6/VFA 0221. The marking “D/I\D” means Department of Defence, with

the Arrow (or Broad Arrow) /I\ in between. No. 2 MK II is the British and Australian Military

model designation (equivalent to the U.S. Army “M5”), signifying a 6X30 prismatic binocular

with a reticle (or with UK and Australian terms, a graticule). Roger Davis suggests that the “V6”

stands for “Value”, and the assigned value level of 6. The “”VFA” most likely stands for

“Visiting Forces Agreement”. The number “0221” ties in with the VFA.

Terence Wayland summarized the British, and by default, the Australian imprints succinctly

(email, 21 July 2015). The “MK” designation applies only to those binoculars supplied by

British contractors with the official specifications. This one fact alone is the reason that none of

the Wollensak 6X30 M5 binoculars have UK imprints on them. The “No 2” designation related

to 6X30 models. Those with “Mk I” did not have a reticule; those with “Mk II” have a reticule;

and those with “Mk III” have a reticule and are also waterproof. After WWI, the British firm

Kershaw supplied the vast majority of “No 2”, and by the end of WWII, Kershaw had produced

250,000. Those binoculars with the same specifications supplied to the Royal Air Force had a

Stores Reference with the prefix “6E/” (Terrence Wayland, email, 21 July 2015).

Table 1. WOLLENSAK 6x30 M5 BINOCULAR DATA (N=25)

SERIAL # BODY

COLOR

US ARMY &

AUTHORIZ.

COLONEL

AUSTRALIA

N IMPRINTS

Y/N

COATED

OPTICS Y/N

RETICLE

Y/N/? R/L

2641 Black USArmy/RLB N N N

6559 Black USArmy/RLB N N Y

8220 Black USArmy/RLB N N Y, R

10,015 Black USArmy/FJA N N Probably

11,525 Green USArmy/FJA Y* Y Y, R

29

13,567 Black USArmy/FJA N N Y, R

13,830 Black USArmy/FJA N ? Probably

14,205 Black USArmy/FJA N N Y, R

15,649 Black USArmy/FJA N N Y, R

18,891 Black USArmy/FJA N N N

28,666 Green USArmy/FJA Y* Y Y, R

30,483 Green USArmy/FJA Y* Probably Probably

33,612 Black USArmy/FJA N Y Y

33,730 Black USArmy/FJA N Y Y, R

33,811 Black USArmy/FJA N Y Probably

33,960 Black USArmy/FJA N Y Y, R

34,369 Black USArmy/FJA N Y N (not R or L)

34,413 Black USArmy/FJA N Y Probably

34,526 Black USArmy/FJA N Y Y, R

35,700 Black USArmy/FJA N Y Y, R

38,105 Black USArmy/FJA N Y Probably

39,820 Black N N Y Post-WWII?

41,0xx** Black USArmy/FJA N Y Post-WWII?

42,575 Black N N Y Post-WWII?

44,993 Black N Y Y Post-WWII?

*Australian Marking: D/I\D No2 MKII V6/VFA 0221; **Last 2 digits obliterated

By the late 1940s, or the very early1950s (magazine advertisement of 1954, for sale on Ebay),

Wollensak contracted with a West German company to make and supply prism binoculars. This

was a departure from making its own 6X30 IF and 8X30 CF binoculars. Those binoculars made

under contract were called Wollensak Escort. They were made in 6X30 CF; 8X30 CF; and

8X40 CF, in Porro-prism Type I (Figs 21-23) with the typical European body style, not the

unibody B&L style. The lenses are coated. It appears to be Wollensak’s final dealing with

binoculars before being bought out by Revere Camera Company. The Revere Camera Company

in turn was purchased and closed by 3M in 1972. Anson Instruments purchased Wollensak from

3M, finally closing in 2001. In October 2003, Virginville Lens Company, d/b/a (=doing

business as) Surplus Shed, purchased the remaining assets of Wollensak Optical. Included were

thousands of completed lenses and lens assemblies, production equipment, original mechanical

and optical drawings, etc.

30

CONCLUSIONS

The Wollensak Optical Company started making camera lenses with iris shutters in 1901, and in

1920, started making a number of models of Galilean field glasses. There are five models of

6X23 Biascopes; two models of 4X33 Commander and Ranger; and three models of 2X25, 3X25

and 3.5X25 Allscopes (fitted to be worn like glasses).

The Wollensak 6X30 Porro-prism Type I binoculars were in civilian use from 1937 till 1940. In

1941, they took on the U.S. Military nomenclature of Wollensak 6X30 M5 and all production

was given to the Lend-Lease Program. Post-WWII Wollensak binoculars merely had the U.S.

Military markings and reticle removed. The Wollensak 6X30 serial numbers are continuous

from the earliest made in 1937 till production stopped in the 1950s. Through the U.S.-initiated

Lend-Lease Act of March 1941, Commonwealth countries, but especially Britain and Australia,

received between them about 40,000 Wollensak 6X30 M5 binoculars. Etched glass reticles are

much superior to those with the photo-printed process; the M5 has either type of reticle.

Wollensak 6X30 M5 binoculars were shipped to UK, and directly to Australia as early as late

1941, and put into use in January 1942 in the New Guinea (aka PNG) Campaign. The shipping

of Wollensak binoculars to the Commonwealth countries continued till at least 1944. By 1946,

all Wollensak lenses were coated (WOCOTE, or MgF2).

By the late 40s or early 50s, Wollensak Optical Co. contracted with a European binocular maker

to provide 6X30 CF, 8X30 CF and 8X40 CF Porro-prism Type I under the name Wollensak

Escort, and these were sold by Wollensak at least in 1954 (magazine advertisement). The

Escort binoculars have the typical European body, not the B&L unibody. Wollensak was

purchased by Revere Camera Company in the mid-1950s. Revere in turn was purchased and

closed by 3M in 1972. Anson Instruments purchased Wollensak from 3M in 1974, finally

closing it in 2001.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Peter Abrahams is thanked for sending literature that was unavailable to me, and for bringing me

on board as a member of his online Binocular List, especially starting with number 600, as this is

the one that brought Guus Duchateau (Holland), Terence Wayland (UK), and Roger Davis

(Australia) into contact with me. They responded to Binocular List 600, dated 2015.03.05, and

they provided information about the Wollensak 6X30 M5 binoculars each owns.

In addition, Terence Wayland provided me with invaluable, otherwise unavailable information

from the British National Archives on the numbers of Wollensak 6X30 M5 binoculars requested

31

via the U.S. Lend-Lease Act on what was delivered and when. Roger assisted by checking into

the Australian War Memorial Materials Records office about the Australian markings on the

Wollensak 6X30 M5 binoculars. Hans Seeger, of Zeiss fame, is thanked for comments on post-

WWII German binocular companies, and Klaus Kubetz, of Leitz ELCAN fame, is thanked for

providing information on the Willy Krombach Optische Werke, Wetzlar, a West German

binocular company, and that this company most likely made the Escort binoculars for

Wollensak.

My brother Tom Leech is thanked for proofing the text, and for providing photos of Wollensak

camera lenses in his collection. Frank Lagorio of Winnipeg is thanked for information on

possible dates of manufacture for Wollensak 6X30 M5 binoculars. Frank is also thanked for

providing the original digital photo of the disassembled Wollensak 6X30 M5. Ethan Wallwork

and Andrew Eisenhawer are thanked for helping me to “clean up” and reduce images for use in

this article. Information on the use and interpretation of reticles was contributed by long-time

friends, Gord McGowan of Milarm Company, Edmonton, Alberta, and Blair Halt, also of

Edmonton.

REFERENCES

Abrahams, Peter. Binocular List #s 600-605, Mar-June 2015.

europa.com/telscope/binotele.htm

Bausch & Lomb History. Accessed 20 June 2015.

http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/bausch-lomb-inc-history

Binoculars and scopes – U.S. Militaria Forum. Posted 17 September 2011.

Accessed 25 June 2015.

British National Archives. CAB 115/185. (Source: Terence Wayland, email, 21 March 2015.)

Davis, Roger. Pers. Comm., email. 25&26&31 March 2015.

Duchateau, Guus. Pers. Comm., email. 19 March 2015.

Encyclopedia of Army Ordnance Binoculars. Circa 1944. Frankford Arsenal,

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 84 p., illustrated.

Google: Wollensak Optical, a Surplus Shed Company (accessed 16 June 2015).

32

Google Patents. Patent US2079890 A – Prism Binocular (Accessed 20 June 2015).

History.com. Lend-Lease Act, March 1941. World War II.

Lagorio, Frank. Many Pers. Comms. By email during 2014-15, images of

disassembled Wollensak 6X30 M5 binoculars and reticle.

Leech, R. 2015. Canadian-made binoculars, Part 2: BOP & CAL retrofits of RELs in

the early 1950s. Canadian Historical Arms Society. 13 p., 11 figs

http://home.europa.com/~telscope/Leech.2015.Canadian.made.binoculars.2.pdf

Rohan, S. 2001. A Guide to Handheld Military Binoculars. Optical Press, Bradbury,

California. iv+183 p., illustrated. ISBN: 0-9709003-0-9

Seeger, H. 1996/2002. Militārische Fernglāser und Fernrohre in Heer, Luftwaffe und

Marine (Military Binoculars and Telescopes for Land Air and Sea Service).

537 p., 323 figs. ISBN: 3-00-000457-2.

Vintage Magazine. 1946. Wollensak WOCOTE Binoculars magazine print ad.

Wayland, Terence. Pers. Comm. by email, 21&25 March 2015; and 21 July 2015.

Wollensak Optical Company. Accessed 21 June 2105. Wollensak Optical Company at

Historic Camera’s History Librarium.