Description
Antique J.H. Steward London opera / field binoculars, complete with their original fitted leather case.
One eyepiece ring is marked “J.H. Steward, 406-66 Strand”, and the other is marked “J.H. Weweard, 54 Cornhill, London”, making these a lovely antique pair from the well-known London optician and instrument maker. They are compact, elegant binoculars with central focusing, black painted metalwork, leather-covered barrels, and brass-toned lens rims
The optics are clean, and the binoculars achieve very clear images, especially considering their age. The focusing mechanism works well, and the binoculars remain very usable for display, collecting, theatre/opera use, or general light observation.
There are two small chips near the edge of one objective lens. These are hardly noticeable in normal use and do not appear to affect the optical performance. There is age-related cosmetic wear throughout, including paint loss, rubbing, marks to the leather covering, wear to the brass-toned lens surrounds, and general signs of use consistent with antique binoculars.
The original fitted leather case is included. The case has a red interior lining and decorative clasp, but shows age-related wear, scuffs, fading, rubbing, and some loss to the outer covering. It remains a very attractive period accessory. The case locking buckle has a gold-coloured appearance and remains in good golden condition, adding to the attractive antique presentation of the set.
Main features:
- Maker / retailer: J.H. Steward
- Markings: J.H. Steward, 406-66 Strand; 54 Cornhill, London
- Type: Antique opera / field binoculars
- Focus: Central focusing
- Body: Black painted metal with leather-covered barrels
- Objective lens: 30mm
- Eye lens: 14mm
- Magnification unmarked, but likely around 3x – 4x
- Size: 100mm (W) x 45mm (H) x 40mm (D)
- Weight: 200 g
- Includes original fitted leather case
Note:
J.H. Steward was a well-known London optician and scientific instrument maker, established in 1852 by James Henry Steward. The firm traded from several prestigious London premises, including 406 Strand, 66 Strand, and 54 Cornhill. The Cornhill address was used from around 1866 to the early 1890s, while 66 Strand was used from around 1869 onwards. Based on these combined address markings and the style of the binoculars, they are most likely late Victorian, dating from around c.1870s–1890s.
There is a small chip at the edge beneath one of the eyepiece rings.
