Original German WWII U.S.-Captured Luftwaffe Aerial Coverage Regulator Camera Grid Lens in Original Transit Case with Key and U.S.G.I. Bringback Papers

Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. In geodesy and photogrammetry, aerial surveying refers to flying over areas in a strip pattern to create terrain models or maps. A special measuring camera is mounted on the underside of the aircraft, which takes vertical aerial photographs at fixed intervals. With a classic series camera, the shutter is automatically triggered by an overlap regulator , with the longitudinal overlap typically being 60 percent. This overlap area can then be evaluated for each successive image pair using stereophotogrammetry.

This is an outstanding Coverage Regulator “Uereg” which was used by aerial photographers to create terrain models or maps. The regulator comes in its original transit case, and retains its original data label reading:

Ueberdeck.-Regler Uereg Bauart Vӧlk, Berlin
Gerӓt-Nr. 135-301A-1 Werk-Nr. 175
Anforderzeichen Fl 38905
Hersteller: V. Kolář, Mechanotechna-Prag VII.

Overdeck regulator Uereg, Vӧlk design, Berlin.
Device No. 135-301 A-1, Serial No. 175
Requisition Mark Fl 38905
Manufacturer: V. Kolář, Mechanotechna-Prag VII.

This denotes that the maker is in Prague, Czech Republic, which would have been under German occupation during this period. The front lens of the regulator is marked:

Schneider-Gӧttingen No. 17907 Xenar f: 4.5 F = 18cm

The regulator is in good shape overall with a clear picture viewable through the grid when the lens cover is removed. It displays an upside-down view and is really an interesting sight! The regulator has a large knob that when turned rotates the grid. The regulator measures 12” tall including the knob and is 8” in diameter. 

The original transit case measures 14 ½ x 10 ¾ x 11” and is in good condition overall with some paint loss. The lid is stenciled

Üreg. 18/1
FL 38905

The original leather carrying strap is intact, but you should not carry the case by this handle as it is likely very weak due to its age. The two latches to the front work well, although the right one is loose, and in a very rare twist, this case even retains the original key which locks it shut! The lock still works well and the key will be placed in the case.

On the interior of the case, there is a heavy amount of residue at the bottom, which also included many small ripped strips of paper, which we were able to piece back together into the capture paper of the U.S. soldier who shipped this home, Sergeant Elmer Woodman, ASN 32380784, 8th TAC Air Command Squadron, A.P.O. 374, ℅, P. NI. NY. NY. It was sent home to a T.W. Woodman in Angola, New York, and there is a piece with two stamps still retained. There is also the officer’s signature certifying that the package didn’t contain any US Government property. 

An outstanding piece of Luftwaffe equipment, the first of its kind we have offered, captured by an American soldier and sent home. Ready for further research and display!