A very rare lever focus ‘Trieder' monocular, made by C. P. Goerz of Berlin, with the serial number 58364, dating from c.1904. With a leather covered brass and aluminium body. The endplates are aluminium, held in place by three screws. There are no maker’s marks or date markings, but this monocular is identical to several other known examples signed by Goerz and with 1904 serial numbers very close to this one. Focusing is by means of a brass lever, which moves the eyepiece in and out. The eyecup is made of Bakelite and has no dioptre scale. The serial number ‘58364’ is stamped on the brass focus lever. The objective lens diameter is 24mm, magnification is 6x. This monocular may have seen WW1-era military use, as two other known examples (serial nos: 58350 and 58403) have British Army broad arrow markings.
C. P. Goerz, Berlin: Established by Carl Paul Goerz in 1886, trading in mathematical instruments. They began selling cameras in 1887 and producing them in 1888, with the company being renamed as Optische Anstalt C P Goerz in 1890. Goerz also produced scientific instruments, binoculars and gun sights, founding a separate military arm in 1903 that became the world's biggest military optical manufacturer. C P Goerz American Optical Co. was established in 1905 in New York as an independent company, which continued to operate until 1971. In 1908 a separate company 'Goerz Photochemisches Werk GmbH' was founded in Berlin-Zehlendorf, producing roll film and film for the movie industry. Goerz's reliance on military contracts led to financial difficulties after the first world war, and they were only saved from bankruptcy in 1926 by a merger with ICA, Contessa-Nettel and Ernemann to form Zeiss Ikon.
Condition:
In very good condition and full working order. The view through the monocular is very good, clear, with good focus and an unobstructed view. The focus lever moves smoothly, as does the eyepiece. The bakelite eyecup is in very good condition. The leather covering is securely attached and in very good condition, with a few marks.
Date: c.1895
Maker: C. P. Goerz
Model: Trieder
Dimensions: 50mm x 80mm (95mm fully extended)
Magnification: 6x
