Description
A fine pair of antique J. H. Steward binoculars, complete with their fitted black leather carrying case.
The eyepieces are engraved:
“J. H. STEWARD – OPTICIAN LONDON” and “406, 457 STRAND – 7 GRACECHURCH ST.”
The address markings allow these binoculars to be dated quite closely to approximately c.1893–1905, placing them in the late Victorian to very early Edwardian period.
J. H. Steward history
J. H. Steward was founded in London in 1852 by James Henry Steward and became one of the better-known British optical and scientific instrument dealers of the Victorian period.
The firm supplied a wide range of instruments including binoculars, telescopes, microscopes, compasses, surveying equipment and military optical instruments. J. H. Steward also supplied instruments to British and foreign governments and to national rifle associations.
The firm’s 7 Gracechurch Street premises were used from approximately 1893 until around 1905, while the company was simultaneously trading from its well-known Strand addresses. The combination of all three addresses engraved on these binoculars therefore provides a useful dating window.
Construction:
The binoculars have a traditional late 19th-century Galilean optical design with:
- Black japanned metal frame
- Brown textured leather-covered barrels
- Central focusing wheel
- Individually formed eyepiece housings
- Brass/gilt-toned detailing
- Large objective lenses
- J. H. Steward London engraved eyepieces
- Period fitted black leather carrying case
- Deep burgundy/red case interior
The case has an integral carrying handle and brass-coloured clasp and appears to be the original fitted case for the binoculars.
Condition:
The binoculars remain in attractive antique condition with age-related wear consistent with an instrument approximately 120–130 years old.
There is some rubbing and minor loss to the black finish, light marks and wear to the leather covering, and natural age-related patination to the fittings.
The objective and eyepiece lenses are intact and clean.
The fitted leather case remains in good presentable antique condition, with some surface wear, rubbing and marks from age and use. The handle, clasp and hinges are present.
Please examine all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.
A particularly appealing pair of genuine late Victorian J. H. Steward London optical binoculars, with the unusual advantage of address markings that allow them to be dated to approximately 1893–1905.
Ideal for a collector of antique binoculars, Victorian scientific instruments, London opticians, theatre optics or British optical history.
Maker / retailer: J. H. Steward
Location: London, England
Date: c.1893–1905
Period: Late Victorian / early Edwardian
Case: Fitted leather carrying case
