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Antique Binoculars

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By Leigh A. Zaykoski


An Unexpected Gift for Collectors

Many people who collect antique binoculars are very interested in how much their binoculars are worth. This is often something that angers people who truly love their antique binoculars for their form and style instead of wondering how much they can sell them for to make a quick buck. However, the value of a pair of antique binoculars is an important consideration because increasing value may help to encourage people to take them out of their attics and basements and start circulating them again. Many dealers pick them up at garage sales and need to know the value of the binoculars before making a purchase so they know if they are making a wise buying decision.

Since the late 20th Century, the Internet has become one of the most important tools in determining the value of antique binoculars. Many types of antique binoculars are still in existence today. Field glasses were often used for watching wildlife because they have a concave lens close to the eye. They had a limited vision field and fairly lower power, but they were still popular at one time. Prism binoculars were more efficient because of their design.

Opera glasses are a type of antique binoculars that are smaller in size and often had attractive patterns and styles. Some of the most common decorative items on a pair of opera glasses include abalone shell or mother of pearl, which give the glasses a stylish antique look. Because of the ornate additions to these opera glasses, field glasses are not as valuable unless they were made by a prominent maker or they had some unusual features. However, prism binoculars provide a better view than the opera glasses.

Both the porro prism and the roof prism are types of antique binoculars. They have been around since the early 20th Century and many people have gotten used to using them. Different types of these binoculars are preferred by different people. Many people prefer the German binocular, followed by the American and English binoculars. The French antique binoculars seem less popular, but they are still a good value. If you're looking for quality, the Japanese antique binoculars from the World War II era or earlier are very high in quality.

The focus is something to consider when choosing antique binoculars. Some antique binoculars have a center focus, which means there is a wheel that is located centrally and makes both sides focus at once. This means that this type of binocular is easier to use, but hard to keep clean and dry. There are also antique binoculars with an individual focs that is adjusted by rotating each individual eyepiece. This means that the binoculars are easier to keep clean and dry. Different collectors prefer different binocular styles and size is also an important factor in determining collector interest. All antique binoculars are classified by their magnification power and the diameter of the objective. A classification of 6x30 would mean that there was a magnification of 6 times with a diameter of 30 mm.

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gabrielinfante profile image

gabrielinfante  says:
2 years ago

Hey man nice hub about binoculars, I am starting right now, buyng a binoculars and start watching bird,...

check mine too!

Michael McClendon  says:
18 months ago

My granfather gave me "Gunscope" binoculars (item #51946, with leather case) 7x50 FIELD 7.1 COATED. He used them in the early 1900's surveying the Rockey Mtns for then Bell Telegraph. Are they of any value?

kbarton  says:
17 months ago

I have a pair of WWII German binoculars. I am interested in finding a buyer.

Ken Donald  says:
12 months ago

These binoculars are made by Jules Huet & C10 in Paris Constructeur (Left barrel). I don't have the year but I've been told they were made around the turn of the century 1890-1917. I was told that 10 years ago when I first got them. The right side barrel has a stamped data area opposite of the feft side data. The data on the right is as follows:Pornisseurs, Du Ministere De La Guerre. The hinge pin is capped on the front and stamped MG, where the back cap is stamped 12X. I'm not pressed to sell the glasses but would if the price were right.

msdebit@hotmail.com  says:
11 months ago

Hi there,

I have come across a set of binoculars in a very old carry case. Inscription says it was made in Japan and it has the label Plum wrote on it. Can you help me with any info on these???

Thanks a bunch.

chas skelding  says:
11 months ago

i have recentl found a pair of binoculors at home which i cant find any infomation about them and wondered if you could help me please???? they are in a brown leather field case with red lining. it has a sticker on the inside of the case saying Curry & Paxton of London and the only writing on the binoculars is - 10x50 with what i persume to be a code underneath that which says JAGDGLAS and on the other side of the binocular it has the word STERN the only other infomationi can give whch may help is that they have a center wheel for focusing etc. any help would be much appreciated

MIKE  says:
6 days ago

I have some very nice eyeglasses that i inherited. I think they are pre 1900 but i am not sure. they are in good shape with a leather case but I find no markings. If anyone is interested call me at 1.877.773.3535. My name is Mike.

PEACE

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