I ran across this lens several years ago, fell in love with it, and bought it without knowing a darn thing about its history. On the front of the lens cell is the following; Apochromatic (R) F 1:15 2250mm Askania (I thought it was Askminia but have been dissuaded of that by internet searches).
What I have found are references for Askania theodolites (http://www.nicap.org/ncp/ncp-brumac.htm) once used in the 1950s at the White Sands Missile Range but not this long of a focal ratio. I also found reference to WW2 German optics including submarine periscopes. There were implications of astronomical use in a catalog for large instruments (http://collections.museumvictoria.com.au/items/1510892) as a possible guide scope lens or as a stand alone (http://adsabs.harvard.edu/full/1997IrAJ...24..125A).
This is about all I have seen on the internet. I attached some photos. Someone on the site wants to buy it but I am reticent to sell until I know a little more about the history.
What I have found are references for Askania theodolites (http://www.nicap.org/ncp/ncp-brumac.htm) once used in the 1950s at the White Sands Missile Range but not this long of a focal ratio. I also found reference to WW2 German optics including submarine periscopes. There were implications of astronomical use in a catalog for large instruments (http://collections.museumvictoria.com.au/items/1510892) as a possible guide scope lens or as a stand alone (http://adsabs.harvard.edu/full/1997IrAJ...24..125A).
This is about all I have seen on the internet. I attached some photos. Someone on the site wants to buy it but I am reticent to sell until I know a little more about the history.
Attached Image: