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Field Binoculars

Astronomy

This is a pair of binoculars in a case. The case is leather lined cardboard with leather straps and a cover. The binoculars have adjustable eyepieces (marked “5 – 0 + 5”) and covers that can be slid forwards to shade the objective lenses. The eyepieces are in Porro prism orientation. The main body of the binoculars is coated in a mottled brown plastic material. Visible metallic parts are painted black. Binoculars can be adjusted for varying eye width, small dial on connecting bar (between each telescopic component) marks the degree of adjustment (from 56-74).

Accession Number: 2012.ast.9

Alternative Name: Binoculars

Primary Materials:

Cover: Leather, Metal: Iron Alloy, Cardboard; Binoculars: Metal: Iron Alloy, Metal: Copper Alloy (?), Glass, Plastic

Markings:

On binoculars, above left eyepiece: “Prism Marine, 10x45mm Apert., U.S. Navy”,

Above right eyepiece: “Bausch&Lomb Optical Co., Rochester, N.Y., U.S.A.)”,

In center on dial,“187703”.

On case, inside the lid: “Bausch&Lomb Optical Co., Rochester, N.Y., U.S.A.)”

On the lid and scratched into the surface of the binoculars in two places: “2”

Dimensions (cm):

Case: Height = 23 x Width = 15 x Length = 9; Binoculars: Height = 20 x Width = 13 x Length = 6

Function: Viewing distant objects in the field.

Condition:

Very Good: The case is largely intact, but worn around edges, especially around the lid. The shoulder strap is intact, but the strap that holds the lid closed as broken at the latch. There are various marks, and places where the surfaces where the leather has come off. The binoculars themselves are in very good condition, although show signs of wear particularly around the metallic rims where the binoculars have been set down and the paint has worn off. There is also wear on the plastic cover, again where the binoculars have been rested on a surface.

Associated Instruments:

Manufacturer:

Bausch & Lomb Optical Co., Rochester, NY

Date of Manufacture: Early 20th Century

Provenance:

This object was likely moved from the David Dunlap Observatory in Richmond Hill in 2008, upon the sale of the observatory. It was stored at the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics until 2017, when it was moved to a new storage location in McLennan Physical Laboratories.

Additional Information and References:

Historical Notes:

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