|
These binoculars represent a distinctive and interesting subset of binocular development and collecting. This design was invented by Alfred Baumann of Kölnische Straße 4, Cassel Germany in 1919, with a U.S. patent applied for on July 28, 1919 no. 313,961 and an optical instrument patent granted Nov. 15, 1921 No. 1,397,156. He applied for French patent June 10, 1919 and it was granted Jan. 1921 No. 518, 603. Likewise a British patent applied for Aug 28, 1919 and granted Sept 30 1920 #151,452. Alfred Baumann also filed for a US trademark of the name “Fata-Morgana” for opera glasses, field glasses etc. No. 120,983 July 28, 1919 claiming use of the name for optical goods since “early in 1919”, per the Official Gazette of the US Patent office, Vol. 283 No 1 of Feb 11, 1921. Baumann was operating as Optische Werke Alfred Baumann & Co in 1920. The 4x Fata Morgana and 6x Optistar binoculars were believed also marketed by the firm August Fϋllgrabe of Cassel Germany (Kassel after 1926). Ninety years later, these binoculars still occasionally turn up in Germany, France, Austria, England, the USA, Switzerland, Ireland, Canada, Italy, Uruguay, Australia & New Zealand. These unique binoculars would have been well known to anyone in the optics trade in Germany at the time. The optics are really fairly good, especially for the time period. In the mid 1920’s Füllgrabe apparently also sold a line of crystal radio sets, similarly branded “Fata Morgana” in similar script (see http://www.radiomuseum.org/m/fullgrabe_d_en_1.html). It is documented that that Karl Hartmann Optik of Wetzlar supplied optical components such as prisms, lenses, or perhaps small binoculars to Fϋllgrabe in Kassel around 1921 (“‘Karl Hartmann Optik Und Feinmechanik Wetzlar Germany 1921-1992” by Dr. Gijs van Ginkel ). Fϋllgrabe is described as “a company for the production and marketing of technical products”. The “Elektrotechnik” electrical product aspect of the business eventually predominated. When Fϋllgrabe was acquired by Withof in 1929 they had around “20 employees” as documented in “Region Nordhessen-Kompetenz in Elektro-und Informationstechnik”. Withof became Phillips Elekronik fϋr Wissenschaft und Industrie in 1975, then PMA Prozeß und Machinen Automation Gmbh in 1995. |
|
Japanese External Reverse Porro Prism Binoculars |
|
I WANT TO SEE : |
|
Note unusual finger pins on Fata Morgana used to help turn ocular |
|
Long a source of speculation, after the revealing of the patent data for these binoculars, enthusiasts of these particular binoculars now believe that the “ABC” of these binoculars almost certainly represents the inventor’s name: Alfred Baumann, and where he resided: Cassel. |
|
1920’s Fata Morgana 4x binoculars Cassel, Germany. Sourced in the United States Collection of Mark Ohno |
|
Another pair of Fata Morgana 4x binoculars with pins, serial #9585 Collection of Imperial War Museum London England, Photo: Imperial War Museum |
|
MOST PHOTOS MARK OHNO |
|
MARK OHNO |
|
Ca 1920’s Optistar 6x binoculars sn 41431 Origin: Cassel, Germany. Binoculars Sourced in Germany Collection of Mark Ohno |
|
Another pair of 1920’s Fata Morgana 4x binoculars. Origin: Cassel, Germany. Binoculars sourced in Ireland Collection of Mark Ohno |
|
ミニチュア双眼鏡 |
|
“August Füllgrabe Cassel Factory for Precision Optics & Electrical Engineering” |
|
懐かしの双眼鏡 |
|
It could be said that Alfred Baumann started the practice of giving these small binoculars interesting and imaginative names with the “Fata Morgana” . The Fata Morgana is an optical mirage caused by temperature inversion, where a second inverse image is created. The phenomenon is believed to be named for Morgan Le Faye, a character of Arthurian legend (Geoffrey of Monmouth, “Historia Regina Britannae” circa 1138). Morgan, also called Morgana, was a “fay”, or sorceress. The optical phenomenon was certainly attributed to magical influences throughout much of human history. |
|
Morgan La Faye casting a spell in Frederick Sandy’s 1864 painting of the same name. |
|
Serial # 680 (pin & slot, sil, Tatzenkreuz embossing collection of Mark Ohno, USA Serial # 8383 (VK,sil, WP) straw pattern embossing, lorgnette handle. Mark Ohno, USA Serial # 9585 (config. NA) observed private collection Serial # 9755 (config. NA) list of Dr Hans Seeger, Hamburg, Germany Serial # 9804 (VK, blk, WP) collection of Imperial War Museum, UK Serial # 10539 (VK, silver, WP) circle pattern embossing , collection Ted Brink, Holland Serial # 11019 (VK, blk, WP) collection of Nico Westphal, NL Serial # 11271 (VK, blk, WP ) collection of Mark Ohno, USA Serial # 12278 (blk) list of Dr Hans Seeger, Hamburg, Germany Serial # 14133 (CHK, blk, WP) w/ lorgnette handle collection of Mark Ohno, USA Serial # 14211 (config. NA) private collection Serial # 14420 (gilded, WP) list of Dr Hans Seeger, Germany Serial # 14441 (blk) auctioned in UK 2013 Serial # 14971 (CHK gilded, WP,) w/ lorgnette handle collection of Ron Rosen, USA Serial # 14985 (CHK, gilded, WP) collection of Melanie Willis, USA Serial # 15105 (CHK, gilded, WP) collection of Mark Ohno, USA Serial # 15286 (gilded,WP) auctioned in UK 2011 Serial # 15504 (CHK, blk, WP) collection of Nico Westphal, NL Serial # 16794 (config. NA) auctioned Ebay 2007 Serial # 17218 (CHK, blk, WP) collection of Mark Ohno, USA Serial # 17360 (CHK, blk, WP) collection of Mark Ohno, USA Serial # 17976 (blk) list of Dr Hans Seeger, Hamburg Germany Serial # 18671 (CHK, gilded) collection Nico Westphal, NL Serial # 19208 (blk, WP) collection of Leitz Museum, Germany Serial # 20524 (CHK, gilded, WP) auction Germany 10/2012 Serial # 20850 (CHK, blk, WP) auction Germany 4/2013 Serial # 20873 (CHK, blk, WP) collection of Ulrich Zeun, Germany Serial # 20955 (blk, WP) collection of Mark Ohno, USA Serial $ 21905 (config NA) auctioned USA Nov 2012 Serial # 22421 (CHK, gilded WP) collection of Mark Ohno, USA Serial # 23261 (blk) list of Dr Hans Seeger, Hamburg, Germany Serial # 24604 (NP, guilded, ) list of Dr Hans Seeger, Germany Serial # 24687 (gilded, WP) list of Dr Hans Seeger, Germany Serial # 24744 (gilded) list of Dr Hans Seeger, Hamburg, Germany Serial # 24792 (gilded) list of Dr Hans Seeger, Hamburg, Germany Serial # 25071 (BE, NP, VK, blk), blk collection of Mark Ohno, USA Serial # 25490 (config NA) auction USA 1/2012 Serial # 25261 (config NA ) offered at auction Michigan, USA, 2012 Serial # 25419 (config. NA) auctioned Ebay 2008 Serial # 25490 (BE, NP, VK ,blk) collection of Nico Westphal, NL Serial # 25585 (config. NA) private collection Serial # 25708 (config. NA) list of Dr Hans Seeger, Hamburg, Germany Serial # 25804 (BE, NP, blk) collection of Mark Ohno, sourced Prague Czech Republic Serial number block believed not to exceed 30000 (Ultramar documented at 30063) No Serial no/ very late (BE, NP, blk) Prinzess private brand collection of Mark Ohno, USA |
|
Serial # 38597 (BE NP) collection of Ulrich Zeun, Germany Serial # 41431 (BE, NP) collection of Mark Ohno, USA Serial #41692 (NA) auction Germany Serial #41892 (BE,NP) auction Germany 1/2013 Serial # 42144 list of Dr Hans Seeger, Hamburg, Germany Serial # 42473 (BE, NP) collection of Nico Westphal, NL Serial # 42556 list of Dr Hans Seeger, Hamburg Germany Serial #42784 (BE, NP) collection of Mark Ohno, USA Serial # 43295 (BE, NP) collection of Nico Westphal, NL Serial # 43820 (BE, NP) Ecker private brand Mark Ohno, USA |
|
Serial numbers are a key element in analyzing design and production changes, and gaining insight into quantities produced. Serial numbers are often assigned in a “block” to a model, and do not necessarily start at “1”, though these probably did. It is not known if Fϋllgrabe Fata Morgana crystal radio models had serial numbers, and if so their relationship to binocular serial numbers. |
|
Optical fata morgana |
|
Based on lowest and highest observed serial numbers in this small sample, production of Fata Morgana binoculars exceeded 25,124 units. |
|
Based on lowest and highest observed serial numbers in this small sample, production of Optistar binoculars exceeded 5,223 units . |
|
Serial # 11271 |
|
Binocular at left serial # 17218 |
|
Why the dearth of information about Alfred Baumann and August Fϋllgrabe? RAF bombing in WWII destroyed 90% of the city center of Kassel in raids also targeting Henschel production (Tiger tanks) and Fieseler production (Storch, BF109, Focke-Wulf 190 aircraft & V-1 rocket). In particular, during the RAF raid of Oct. 22-23 in 1943, 569 bombers dropped 460,000 incendiary stick bombs and the city center of Kassel burned for 7 days. Renowned binocular expert and author Dr Hans Seeger contacted the Kassel Chamber of Commerce about researching pre-war binocular production and manufacturers and was told most of the commercial records were destroyed during the war. |
|
The logo surround has been likened to a castle turret. Kassel is known for Castle Lowenburg, a fantasy castle built in the late 1700s. It also has been likened to a chess piece. And I think it also looks like a binocular eyepiece. |
|
? |
|
Gilded pair of brass 1920’s Fata Morgana 4x 12 binoculars, Engraved with owner’s name. Probably brought from Europe. Origin: Cassel, Germany. Collection of Melanie Willis , USA Photos courtesy Melanie Willis |
|
Watching Kassel burn, probably in October 1943. Zerstörung von Kassel 1943 |
|
CHK-Cross Hatch Knurl VK-Vertical Knurl WP-With Pins NP-No Pins blk-black sil-silver NA-Not Available |
|
(approximate translation) “Get a copy of our Fata Morgana prism binoculars / Several new patents registered / a wonderful bright opera and travel binocular/ Carefully manufactured of first class material./ Warranted/ Is the smallest and lightest binoculars/ 92mm greatest diameter for Your Pocket/ Only 75 grams / 4 power magnification/ Field of View 20 meters at 100 meters/ each eyepiece and the papillary distance is adjustable. Price 75 francs/ You secure a copy immediately at the FATA MORGANA COMPANY. Biel 12, shipping cash on delivery or postal check or “Voreinsendung”. Biel 1 VA 1024 “ |
|
Dec 1919 Swiss newspaper advertisement suggests initial production was around the end of 1919, which matches the patent filings, and the trademark claims that the use of the name started in early 1919 |
|
If my math is correct, by changing 1919 Swiss francs to 1919 US dollars, and then changing 1919 US dollars to 2010 US dollars, the price was around $181.26 in equivalent 2010 US dollars |
|
Original Optistar pasteboard box Collection of Mark Ohno Box sourced in Germany. (Optistar Originalkarton) |
|
When you bought “Optistar” “prism” 6x binoculars in the early to mid 1920’s, “the exquisite sport, travel and marine binoculars”, this is what you received. Even by today’s standards, these are an appealing, attractive, well designed and well made pair of binoculars that are a pleasure to use. Collection of Mark Ohno, binocular serial # 42784. Binocular sourced in United States, Box sourced in Germany |
|
Note lack of “ABC” Logo in drawing |
|
Photo courtesy of Marc in Montevideo Uruguay |
|
Photo courtesy of Ron in USA Gilded Fata Morgana binoculars with lorgnette handle (Fata Morgana Fernglas mit Griff, Vergoldeten) |
|
Subject to possible future discoveries, this pair of Fata Morgana binoculars is the earliest known surviving example (serial number 680), and they have a number of interesting features that are not found on other known examples. I believe these were probably manufactured in 1919. They lack the ABC marking found on all other documented Fata Morgana binoculars, but the ABC is also absent in the 1919 Swiss advertisement. On these binoculars the barrel of the objective lens pack fouls the prism covers, requiring a relief cut. Later examples changed the geometry so that the barrels have enough clearance. This Fata Morgana has a hand stamped design embellishment all over of the Tatzenkreuz, or Cross Pattée, which is a Maltise cross variation with flat feet, sometimes also known as an “iron cross” after the German WWI and WWII military honor medal of that design. (nearly five and a half million iron cross medals were estimated awarded in WWI) This stamping was clearly done prior to assembly, so it is unlikely to be a “trench art” type effort by an owner. Keep in mind that during this time period almost all manufacturers were known to make “specials” for clients. So if a wealthy decorated veteran officer of the 1914-1918 war wanted [luxury] binoculars covered in iron crosses in 1919, then the company would almost certainly have been happy enough to oblige him for the right price. Personal items commemorating WWI in some way are common. And incorporating the Tatzenkreuz or Eisernes Kreuz is very common on German items. Focus is accomplished by sliding a pin in an angled slot, to cam the diopter in and out of its barrel. Later models internally work in a similar fashion, but use a focus ring and pin, and the ring is much easier to move to focus while looking through the binoculars. It is quite difficult to get a finger on the pin and slide it while viewing on this early model. With neck string these binoculars weigh 76.5 grams, close to the 75 grams claimed by the advertisement, and reflective of their (unpainted) aluminum construction. By comparison, the brass gilded Fata Morgana brass construction binoculars weighs 150 grams. By sometime in 1920 the revised focus mechanism was pictured, so these are probably 1919 first year production. |
|
1919 or 1920 Fata Morgana 4x binoculars Origin: Cassel, Germany. Binoculars Sourced in England Collection of Mark Ohno |
|
Focus mechanism of pin and slot to cam internal diopter in and out. |
|
Relief clearance cut into the objective barrel. |
|
The 1919 advertisement clearly shows the pin and slot focus mechanism, and also shows lack the ABC emblem, so it is reflective of the configuration found on binocular serial # 680 |
|
WWI Iron Cross Medal or Eisernes Kreuz Collection Mark Ohno |
|
W. (William) Ecker of Kapellplatz 10 Luzern (Lucerne) Switzerland was a photographic supply co. and Opticians They appear in 1913 and 1922 directories by Karl Baedeker covering Switzerland, Italy, Savoy, Tyrol, & Chamonix. The firm is known to have branded opera glasses, barometers, thermometers and similar items with their name. It seems to indicate the first distributor branding of this type of miniature binoculars. The firm Ecker AG still occupies Kapellplatz 10, 6004 Luzern Switzerland in 2012. Pending (probable) future discoveries: this is one of the only two known examples of a private branded Fata Morgana or Optistar binocular (the other being the Prinzess Fata Morgana variant), and is the latest documented Optistar binoculars to be manufactured according to the serial number. |
|
Deutscher Ursprung der Miniatur Ferngläser |
|
Ecker Luzern private branded Optistar 6x binoculars Origin: Cassel, Germany. Binoculars Sourced in England Collection of Mark Ohno |
|
Deutschen Ursprung der Miniatur Fernglas |
|
Black Fata Morgana 4x binoculars with handle Fata Morgana 4x Fernglas mit Griff (Schwarz) Origin: Cassel, Germany. Binoculars Sourced in United States Collection of Mark Ohno |
|
Black Fata Morgana binoculars with opera glass or Lorgnette non telescoping folding handles. The handle uses an adaptor plate to attach to frame of the binoculars. Pending (probable) future discoveries: this the only known example in black with black handle, otherwise similar to the guilded Fata Morgana with handles. Presumably only a small portion of Fata Morgana production included handles, but since the 1919 ad shows a lady with Fata Morgana binoculars with handles this must always have been an intended model. |
|
William Ecker in 1925 |
|
Fata Morgana Fernglas und Opernglas |
|
Köning Straße, Kassel, in 1945, 2.4 miles from Baumann’s address in Kölnische Straße |
|
Kapellplatz 10, Lucerne (2012) |
|
Optistar Fernglas und Opernglas |
|
Dokumentierte Seriennummern von Fata Morgana und Optistar Ferngläser |
|
Sehr früh Fata Morgana Fernglas mit Tatzenkreuz |
|
Black Fata Morgana 4x binoculars with Lorgnette handle Fata Morgana Fernglas mit Griff (Schwarz) |
|
Optistar Fernglas Marke von “Ecker Luzerne” (Schweiz) |
|
Deutscher Ursprung der Miniatur Fernglas |
|
Silver (aluminum) Fata Morgana 4x binoculars Lorgnette handle and straw pattern decoration, Fata Morgana Fernglas mit Griff (Silber) Mit Muster von Stroh Origin: Cassel, Germany. Binoculars Sourced in United States Collection of Mark Ohno |
|
Fairly early production (serial no 8383) silver (unpainted aluminum?) Fata Morgana binoculars with opera glass or lorgnette non telescoping celluloid faux ivory folding handles, and with a “straw pattern” embossed design. The handle uses an adaptor plate to attach to frame of the binoculars. Pending possible future discoveries: this the only known example of a silver color Fata Morgana with handle, and the only known Fata Morgana binocular with this pattern of embossing, and the second oldest documented surviving Fata Morgana binocular, and the only Fata Morgana binocular observed with the serial number on a prism cover rather than stamped into the frame. As found, it is missing 2 prism covers and one prism, probably reflecting a botched repair attempt. Both oculars were seized, one or the few Fata Morgana or Optistar binoculars I encountered with that issue. |
|
Kölnische Straße 4 Baumann’s address 93 years later, with post war buildings |
|
It took around 9 months of research to find it, but the reward was this advertisement run in 1921 and 1922 in the somewhat obscure Optical Journal and Review of Optometry which reveals the US and Mexican distribution channels for the Fata Morgana binoculars. And in the 1922 Popular Mechanics magazine. |
|
Fata morgana Fernglas |
|
1922 Popular Mechanics advertisement for Fata Morgana |
|
BE-Baklite one piece Eyepiece |
|
(All are black) |
|
The location of the German Optical distributor on 960 Market St in San Francisco that was the sole distributor for the Fata Morgana binoculars in the US in 1920/1921 was a defunct luggage shop in 2011. |
|
960 |
|
Ecker Warenzeichen auf Optistar fernglas |
|
Die Geschichte von Miniaturferngläsern in Deutschland. L'histoire des jumelles miniatures en Allemagne. De geschiedenis van piepkleine verrekijker in Duitsland. イツの小型双眼鏡の履歴 Historien om miniatyr kikare i Tyskland. La historia de los binoculares en Alemania en miniature. Истории о миниатюрных бинокль в Германии. Η ιστορία των μικροσκοπικών κιάλια στη Γερμανία. Almanya'da ilgili geçmişi minyatür dürbünler. La storia in miniatura binocolo in Germania. |
|
Die Geschichte von Miniaturferngläsern in Deutschland. L'histoire des jumelles miniatures en Allemagne. De geschiedenis van piepkleine verrekijker in Duitsland. イツの小型双眼鏡の履歴 Historien om miniatyr kikare i Tyskland. La historia de los binoculares en Alemania en miniature. Истории о миниатюрных бинокль в Германии. Η ιστορία των μικροσκοπικών κιάλια στη Γερμανία. Almanya'da ilgili geçmişi minyatür dürbünler. La storia in miniatura binocolo in Germania. |