Battery Box optic cables....

[ChrisPCook]

So, how do I tell the difference between a WW2 issue German, WW2 Finnish, and a Postwar German MG34/42 optics cord? Is this one WW2 issue? Chris....

[ChrisPCook]

So, any opinions about this one? Thanks, Chris...

[Reichpapers]

It's hard to tell from the pic supplied. Are there any markings on the light socket end? The parts look correct from here. The cable is odd, but it could have been replaced. The cables are just old two wire cables.

[Ed S]

The only thing I can say for sure is this: I have never seen a braided cable like that. Everyone I have seen, from those sold by themselves, to ones with 10x80 flak glasses, one in a R36 rangefinder case and one that came with a PzZF1 sight, were all the rubber/plastic coated ones. That does not mean that this one is not correct, but I have never seen another one like it. The cable looks like the cord that comes with a German WWII switchboard.

[bergflak]

I saw that one as well! The braided cord is a clear no-no. The rubber protector is also unheard of. These should be leather (or as in most cases missing all together). The actual lamp holder looks 100% correct. These can be found with makers mark (early/prewar) or with three letter codes. Some are also found without any markings on the actual head. The Finnish ones will always have SA engraved inside a rounded square. Those are actually original German prewar/war production, but they have seldom any makers mark or code except for the SA!

The plug also looks a little odd, as the prongs appears to be identical while they should be a size difference between them....

[Bil]

Berg-do you think that you could post pics of what a REAL German opotics cord looks like?I am sure that you could get photos of several.As this seems to come up fairly often,it might help someone in the market to have a pic on hand.It would save time and possibly money for someone in the optics market.Thank you. ---bil

[Roscoeturner]

Original cable. You will find them in various lengths.

The box and cable are mine but photo credit goes to Ryan Schnee.

[Bil]

Thanks for the pic-the diferance is obvious.This will help. ---bil