Germany's WW1 Zeiss Bifocal Scope: the Glasvisier 16

Published on November 24, 2018
Duration: 9:14

This guide details the installation and basic use of the rare Zeiss Glasvisier 16 bifocal optic on a Mauser 98 rifle, as demonstrated by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. It covers the quick-detach mounting system and the unique bifocal lens design for WWI-era sniping. The optic features a 2.5x magnification in its lower portion and utilizes a clip-on front sight for aiming.

Quick Summary

The Zeiss Glasvisier 16 is a rare WWI German bifocal sniper optic for the Mauser 98, featuring a 2.5x magnification and a quick-detach mount. Its unique bifocal lens design allows simultaneous magnification of the front sight and target. The optic clips onto the rifle's rear sight block for rapid attachment and removal.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Zeiss Glasvisier 16
  2. 00:38Historical Context of German Sniping
  3. 01:41Quick-Detach Mounting Mechanism
  4. 02:22Bifocal Lens Design
  5. 03:25Clip-on Front Sight and Sight Picture
  6. 04:34Markings and Serial Numbers
  7. 05:32Manufacturing Tolerances and 'GLV' Markings
  8. 07:06Rarity and Historical Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Zeiss Glasvisier 16?

The Zeiss Glasvisier 16 is a rare, bifocal sniper optic developed by Carl Zeiss for German forces during World War I. It features a 2.5x magnification in its lower lens portion and a unique quick-detach mounting system for the Mauser 98 rifle.

How does the bifocal design of the Glasvisier 16 work?

The Glasvisier 16 has a bifocal lens, with the lower part offering 2.5x magnification and the upper part being non-magnified. This allows the shooter to magnify both the front sight and the target simultaneously, a design intended for 'no eye relief' use.

What is the mounting system for the Zeiss Glasvisier 16?

It utilizes a quick-detach mounting system with spring-loaded plates that clip onto the rear sight block of a Mauser 98 rifle. This allows for rapid attachment and removal without tools.

Why is the Zeiss Glasvisier 16 considered rare?

The Glasvisier 16 is extremely rare today, especially with its matching front sight. Its rarity suggests it may not have been as successful or widely adopted as standard telescopic sniper sights of the era.

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