This Carl Zeiss claw mount scope has the maker marking above "Zelacht/ Nr. 42901" at the optic end with "ERNST STEIGLEDER" on the left side. The top of the objective end is engraved with the inscription "DR. E. HEINKEL/WARNEMUNDE/REP. BUCHSE 9.3 m/m". Complete with a leather case with carrying strap. The case is marked "Dr. E. HEINKEL/WARNEMUNDE / REP[illegible]". Dr. Ernst Heinkel (January 24, 1888-January 30, 1958) was a German aircraft designer and manufacturer who in 1922 established the Heinkel-Flugzeugwerke company at Warnemünde, Germany. By designing and producing such aircraft as the He 59 multi-purpose seaplane, He 115 torpedo bomber seaplane and He 111 bomber, Heinkel's company played a vital part in strengthening the Luftwaffe during the years leading up to World War II, and for his commitment to rearmament Heinkel was designated a Wehrwirtschaftführer (defense industry leader) by the German government. Before the war ended Heinkel produced the He 280 as the world's first jet fighter and the He 219 which has been given the title of best World War II night fighter. Heinkel criticized Hitler's regime for forcing him to fire Jewish designers and staff in 1933, but was a Nazi party member, was awarded the German National Prize for Art and Science in 1938 and his company was considered a "model for slave labor" for using forced Jewish labor which began in 1941. At the end of the war, Heinkel was arrested by the Allies but evidence of Heinkel's anti-Hitler activities helped lead to his acquittal. During the post-war years, Heinkel kept his company in business by building bicycles and motorbikes and by the late 1950s when restrictions were eased and West Germany was allowed to build airplanes again, Heinkel revived his company by assembling foreign designed aircraft under license which included the American Lockheed F-104 Starfighter. In 1965, Heinkel merged with the corporate association VFW, erasing the corporate name of Heinkel, which had first entered the industry some 42 years earlier.

Very fine. The scope retains 60% original blue finish with the balance a smooth gray patina. The optics are slightly hazy. The case is fine with some minor handling marks. The stitching is tight.