They were on one side of the wall. We were on the other.
The idea was to find out what the other guy was up to without letting him know that he was being observed.Along with the KGB and CIA agents and all those moles, this rather magnificent device played a small but significant role in the drama.

A rare aluminum and steel periscope made by the opticalmasters at Carl Zeiss, ca. 1960, the kind used at the Berlin wall during the Cold War.
Precision-ground, angled prismatic lenses. Magnification 10x 50. Fully-adjustable, to let observer look at almost any angle. Still on original oak-and-steel stand. Condition: A+.
We have no proof that this particular periscope was on active duty in Berlin, but we also don't have proof that it wasn't.
Carl Zeiss Periscope (No. C186). Dimensions: 69-1/4” high on unextended stand, 93” with stand extended; periscope only, 30-3/4” high. Weight: approx. 55 lbs. Shipping: $150.
Perfect for John le Carré fans, history buffs, or just keeping an eye on what the neighbors are up to.