Description
A characterful pair of vintage / antique French binoculars, marked “12 Lense” on the top of the bridge and “Made in France” beneath the bridge.
These are an attractive extending field/racing-style pair with large objective lenses, central focusing, individual eyepiece adjustment, and their original fitted leather carry case. The binoculars have a classic early 20th-century appearance, with black painted metal barrels, textured leather-style covering, brass-toned edging, and extending sunshade objective tubes.
The optics are intact and the lenses have been cleaned. The image is very clear and sharp, especially considering the age of the binoculars. The focusing and extending mechanisms work, and the binoculars display very well.
Cosmetically, they are in used vintage condition with visible age-related wear throughout. There is paint loss, surface marks, rubbing to the body, and one side of the barrel leather covering is worn out. The leather carry case shows age-related wear, scuffs, marks and general signs of use, but remains a nice original accessory.
A lovely pair of early French binoculars, suitable for use, display, collecting, theatre/racing interest, or as a decorative antique optical piece.
Main Features:
- Type: Vintage / antique binoculars
- Markings: “12 Lense” and “Made in France”
- Likely magnification: 12 x
- Objective lens diameter: 40mm
- Eyepiece diameter: 20mm
- Extendable sunshade
- Country of origin: France
- Focus: Central focusing with eyepiece adjustment
- Dimensions: 115mm (W) x 118mm (H) x 50mm (D)
- Weight: 635 g
- Includes: Original leather carry case
These binoculars were likely made in early 20th century, possibly c.1910s–1930s.
