• The ZF41 sight

    Carrying cans :

    ZF41 carrying cans can be divided into several categories, distinguished by technical developments throughout the course of WWII. Here, we will discuss four main categories, although these are sometimes further subdivided based on minor differences.

    The carrying cans were manufactured by the firm Wessel & Müller, Beschlagfabrik, Luckenwalde (wartime code “jvb”). The can typically bears the matching rifle number stamped on one side of the lid, opposed to the hinge.

    • Type 1a : Early can, painted in “feldgrau” (or dark blue for the Luftwaffe). The belt strap is made of leather. The side of the case features the Wessel u. Mueller, Luckenwalde manufacturer’s “M&W” logo (see below). The WaA14 can be at the back of the lid. The hinge weld is internal. The lid of the compartment containing the Klarinol cloth is flat.
    ZF41 Wessel & Müller, Beschlagfabrik, Luckenwalde logo
    • Type 1b : The belt strap is now made of webbing. The “jvb” code replaces the manufacturer’s logo, located at the rear of the lid, next to the WaA14 stamp.
    • Type 2a : The lid of the Klarinol cloth compartment is reinforced. The hinge attachments on the lid are now external.
    ZF41 can lid evolution
    • Type 2b : The felt covering the internal wooden base no longer surrounds the hole designed to hold the ZF41 in place. At the back of the lid, the WaA14 is replaced by WaA542. The metal tube previously used to hold the cleaning brush is replaced by a simple hole in the wooden base.
    ZF41 can jvb WaA evolution
    • Type 3 : From 1943/44, the color changes from green to tan beige (Dunkelgelb RAL 7028). The machining of the hole in the lid locking part is simplified.
    ZF41 carrying can strap evolution
    • Type 4 : The web strap used to lock the lid is replaced by a D-ring metal piece

    NB : Some later cans have been observed with leather straps, possibly as replacements for the original web strap. 

    ZF41 can lid strap evolution
    Accessories

    Cardboard box in which the ZF41 scopes were packaged at the factory. The box bears the logo of the company Ruka in Rathenow :

  • ZF41 Carrying case with WaA542 (Type 4)

    ZF41 Carrying case with WaA542 (Type 4)
    ZF41 Carrying case with WaA542 (Type 4)

    ZF.41 Carrying Can. The sand color, D type ring, WaA542 and internal hinge tell us that’s a type 4 can. Note that the tan color was not especially issued to the Afrika Korps, like some people say.

  • Z.F.41 Swarovski Optik in Austria (cag)

    Here we have a matching ZF.41 telescopic sight and carrying can. Unfortunately, the set misses the klarinol cloth and dust brush to be complete. The ZF.41 wears the code “cag”, corresponding to the manufacturer Swarovski Optik in Austria.

  • Ground dug Z.F.41 & carrying case

    This ZF.41 complete set was dug out in Russia, where it was used on the easter front. Some markings are still visible on the mount and carrying can. Interesting fact is that it came with its original knarinol cloth and dust brush (not pictured), preserved in the Russian mud.

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