Description
You are bidding on an EXTRAORDINARILY RARE set of WW2 Imperial Japanese Army Type 1, 10×70 (7 Degree) Aircraft Binoculars! This ” Big Eye “style was specifically used on Army Aircraft for observation, recognition, and reconnaissance purposes! Brought back by a US Veteran, they come with the original box.
These binoculars were carried inside most Japanese fighter, bomber, and reconnaissance aircraft. Being one of the most prolific Japanese hand-held binoculars of the war, they have an ocular lock to prevent movement. They feature uncoated lenses (as with most Japanese binoculars), and wide-angled 7 degree lenses.
Made of aluminum, brass, and steel by Nikko (Nikon), these 10 x 70 power binoculars are in EXCELLENT used condition! The lens bodies retain about 95% of their original black finish, as well as the end piece fittings. Eye sockets are intact, and the focus adjustment still functions PERFECTLY on both eye pieces (though a bit stiff)! The optics are in PERFECT alignment and are VERY CLEAR – however they are a bit hazy. The left side body is well marked with the impressed designation, “Nikko“, and the serial number, “11973“. Right side is stamped “10×70 mm 7°“. Some very slight wear due to the age, but otherwise SUPERB! The original parachute cord lanyard and adjuster are still attached. The rubber eye cups are missing, but that is pretty common (most likely dried out and broke off)..
These come COMPETE in the original box, that is marked with the Army Star. Sadly, the data plate that would have been affixed to the top is missing (it would have indicated, “Type 1 Aviation Binoculars”, as well as the serial number, “11678”). The inside lid would have had two sliding drawers that contained filtered lenses (clear and yellow), however those are also absent.
I have shown a similar one in use by a Japanese aviator in the last photo. Would make a SUPERB addition to any Japanese or optics collection!
