Description:

East Asia, Japan, WWII era, ca. 1940s CE. A rare pair of powerful prismatic binoculars for scoping enemy ships or planes known as "big eyes," a style that was popular with the Japanese coast artillery and battleships. While the USA and Allied countries were focused on developing radar, the Japanese relied on optic lenses. During WWI German made glass was scarce, and Japan began to produce their own glass and optical technology, and between World Wars photographic lens manufacture took off and companies such as Fuji, Nikon, and Canon arose during this time. The Japanese navy equipped WWII ships with "big eye" binoculars for spotting both enemy ships and aircraft up to 20 miles away. Note the curved design of the eye piece which was more comfortable for scanning the skies over long periods. The binoculars from captured Japanese ships were often taken apart by Allied troops to attempt reverse engineering! Size: 14.5" L x 9.5" W x 16" H (36.8 cm x 24.1 cm x 40.6 cm)

Provenance: private Sunset Beach, California, USA collection

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#175204

  • Condition: Foggy lenses and vision is poor, but lenses do work. Cracking to rubber eye piece. Abrasions and surface wear to metal areas commensurate with age and use. Swivels on stand and articulates. The lenses could certainly be restored by a professional.

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November 10, 2022 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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