Here’s your chance of getting the state-of-the-art Hungarian optics of its era. This is the Hungarian copy of the Russian binoculars that they copied from a Zeiss classic from the early 20th century. Small lenses, not a very big magnification but the weight of modern bigger binoculars. Poison green beauty with a stylish leather case.

History

The history of these binoculars is pretty interesting. In 1907, Zeiss developed the Zeiss Silvamar model that they produced until 1969. They were 6x30 binoculars that came both in military and civilian versions. It was such a popular design that it was copied in Russia very quickly. And from Russia it spread to many other eastern Bloc countries, e.g. Poland and Hungary.

Features

These are dark green binocular with black eyepieces. The surface is a bit leather-like vulcanite or something like that and the frame is metal of some sort. You can focus the lenses quite nicely individually. The right lens has a ranging reticle with numbers but the units aren’t given. They are possibly in Soviet mil though. Lens covers aren’t included.

All of these come with a classically stylish brown leather case. Some cases also include yellow lenses that will turn your world rotgut whisky brown plus a bit suspicious cleaning cloth. However, take these as a nice bonus, don’t expect them.

The optics are pretty good when you consider their age and origin. Of course they can’t beat the modern top binoculars but it’s kinda reflected on the price. These are pretty heavy for their size like optics used to be. With the case, the weight is c. 1,130 g (2.5 lbs), just the scope c. 600 g (1.3 lbs).

Condition

Used Hungarian military surplus. These can range from WWII to the Cold War era. In other words, they are quite old but are quite nice for their age. Of course, leather parts can have scratches and stains. The brass parts can be oxidized and the steel parts rusty. The lenses can also be stained or dusty and require cleaning.