Description
A very interesting and unusual pair of antique French 12 Verres multi-purpose binoculars, retailed by WEIL, Opticien, Pau, complete with their fitted leather carrying case.
Dating approximately from c.1890–1910, these binoculars feature an unusual adjustable optical system allowing the eyepiece lenses to be configured for three different viewing applications:
THÉÂTRE – CAMPAGNE – MARINE
The removable/rotating auxiliary lens assembly carries several lenses and can be positioned at each of the three marked settings, altering the optical configuration for theatre, field/countryside or marine viewing.
The centre bridge is also engraved “12 Verres”, a designation used on higher-grade French achromatic binoculars of the period.
Both eyepiece surrounds are marked:
WEIL
OPTICIEN
PAU
The original fitted leather case is also internally marked:
WEIL
Opticien
PAU
Weil was an optician operating in Pau, south-west France, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The binoculars were most likely retailed by Weil, although the actual specialist optical manufacturer is not identified.
Construction and features:
- French antique Galilean binoculars
- “12 Verres” optical system
- Three selectable viewing settings: THÉÂTRE, CAMPAGNE, MARINE
- Objective lens diameter: 32mm
- Central focusing wheel
- Leather-covered barrels
- Black-finished metal construction
- Removable eyepiece assemblies and rotating auxiliary lens mechanism
- Original fitted leather carrying case with purple velvet-lined case interior (case marked WEIL Opticien PAU)
- Binoculars size (when closed): 105mm (W) x 90mm (H) x 42mm (D)
- Weight: 200 g
The optical components and unusual internal lens mechanism are shown in detail in the photographs.
The binoculars show general age-related cosmetic wear, including some losses and rubbing to the black finish around the objective and eyepiece rims. The leather coverings remain present and show normal wear consistent with age.
The leather case has substantial age-related wear, scuffing, surface marks and wear around the edges, strap and fastening areas, but remains an attractive original accompaniment. The purple velvet interior retains the gilt WEIL Opticien PAU retailer’s marking.
A particularly interesting example of late 19th / early 20th century French optical engineering, combining theatre, field and marine viewing functions in a single instrument.
Approximate date: c.1890–1910
Origin: France
Retailer: Weil, Opticien, Pau
Please view all photographs for further details.
