Goerz binoculars and case : Gunner I L Berthet, French Army

Black pair of 6 x Heli-Trieder type Goerz brand binoculars. A brown leather neck strap measuring 40mm is attached to the binoculars by a pair of metal brackets. The internal optics are complete but vision through the binoculars is distorted. A knob at the front adjusts the tightness of the width. On the left hand side of the binoculars is etched within a triangular logo "C.P.GOERZ / BERLIN". On the right hand side is etched within a triangular logo "6x / HELI-TRIEDER". Under this is etched "D.R.P.". With the binoculars is a black leather carry case. The retaining clip is missing from the case and a small metal press stud for this missing clip is on the side of the case. On one side of the case are a pair of 40mm diameter leather tabs each secured by a pair of metal retaining rivets. The other side of the case only has one of these 40mm diameter leather tabs with the other one missing, leaving the pair of metal rivets and some remnant leather from the tab.

Gunner Ivar Louis Berthet was working in China with British American Tobacco when he enlisted with the French Army in Shanghai in 1918. He served with 69 Battalion, 10 Infantry Regiment and was stationed at 102 Training Depot in Toulon. Berthet was discharged in 1919 and returned to China. He and his family later migrated to Australia after the Second World War. These binoculars were collected by Berthet during the First World War and are an example of non military issue binoculars used by German troops. Goerz, the company who manufactured these binoculars was absorbed by the well known German optical company Zeiss in the 1930s.