Today I have a very rare treat to share. This common binocular set is one of only two items that I am aware of remaining in my family from my great uncle Grover Chronister’s service in WW2. The story we were told is that he collected these items from fallen German soldiers on the battlefield. Sadly, I know little of his service. But, my brother didn’t want to keep these and gave them to me. My grandmother brought this set, and a Gloria camera that I’m still hunting for but know is around the house somewhere, back from Grover’s wifes funeral over two decades ago to give to me and my brother.

I believe he had other items he sent home from the war, but the other side of the family took all of that according to my grandmother leaving only this and the camera. I don’t know what happened to the rest of the items or what they were, but I assume they may have been sold off. Grover had no children, so it’s uncertain if anyone would have had enough connection to him to hold onto them. But, I do have these little bits to pass on in the family as part of our legacy, and to ensure his service is not forgotten.

Case - bakelite: Federn-, Draht- und Metallwarenfabrik, Havel
Binoculars: Voightlander und Sohne