History of Science & Technology

German WWII Infrared Optics

Secret Submarine Optics System

Cryptocurrency Accepted

Live auction begins on:

July 15, 06:00 PM GMT

Estimate

10,000 - 20,000 USD

Bid

4,500 USD

Lot Details

Description

Seehund-Anlage Infrared Receiving Scope and Signaling System on mount, painted cast iron, brass, rubber and other materials, Germany, c.1941, scope approximately 22 x 5 x 13 inches on 16 ½ inch wide mount with original wood and metal case, 24 x 14 x 14 ½ inches, with custom tools, scope with warning label and serial number “M 134” and engraved “S.T. B.” Lacks transmitter and power module.

And With: Beschreibung und Bedienung der Seehund-Anlage. 16, 4 pp. 14 plates illustrations. Small 4to (7 15/16 x 6 inches). Original black cloth over textured boards, lettered in white. Marked “Geheim” [Secret].

RARE GERMAN SUBMARINE INRARED SCOPE.

Infrared scopes were first used by the German Army as early as 1939 on Panther tanks, but the Kriegsmarine (German Navy) adopted the technology soon after. The Seehund-Anlage, in service as early as 1941, was a signaling device that included a searchlight (transmitter), not present in this example, and an infrared scope (receiver) to detect it. This classified device could send invisible messages through the flashing signals of the searchlight and receive them with the scope, which contains a BW-Rohr Type 89 image intensifier tube with a photocathode. It was operable during both night and day but with a longer range by night.