Description
Antique Theatre / Field / Marine Triple-Optic Binoculars / Field Glasses – circa 1900
A fascinating pair of antique Galilean field glasses dating from approximately the turn of the 20th century.
These binoculars feature the unusual three-setting optical system, with the selector marked:
THEATRE – FIELD – MARINE
The system was designed to provide different viewing arrangements for close-range theatre use, general field observation and longer-distance marine viewing. This type of multi-setting field glass was produced around the late Victorian / Edwardian period and is now an attractive piece of early optical history.
The binoculars have a traditional black metal/brass construction with original-style leather covering and large objective lenses.
Main Features:
- Objective lens diameter: 55mm
- Central focusing mechanism operates well
- Theatre / Field / Marine selector
- Full brass construction
- Size: 125mm (W) x 145mm (H) x 63mm (D)
- Weight: 768 g
Condition Note:
Optics are intact. Lenses have been cleaned internally and binoculars produce a clear usable image.
Verdigris / oxidation visible around some of the brass fittings
Paint and finish show scratches, rubbing and losses consistent with an item approximately 120 years old.
Leather covering remains largely intact on main body but shows considerable age-related wear especially on front lens rings. The cosmetic ageing has been left largely as found and gives the binoculars considerable antique character.
No maker’s name has been identified. Similar three-setting field glasses are held in museum collections and examples are known from makers including Lemaire of Paris. This particular pair is not being attributed to a specific maker, as no maker’s mark has been found.
Estimated date: circa 1895–1910
Probable origin: European, likely British or French / made for the British market
Ideal for a collector of antique binoculars, nautical instruments, early optics, militaria-related equipment or Victorian/Edwardian scientific instruments.
